After I got over the terrible pain of having something of mine taken from me, I began to think how bad everybody else must be feeling. It wasn't a nice time.

You wouldn't be allowed to get on a particular bus, but you'd be asked to sign your autograph.

Malcolm X made me very strong at a time I needed to understand what I was angry about. He had peace in his heart. He exerted a big influence on me.

I don't have to be an imitation of a white woman that Hollywood sort of hoped I'd become. I'm me, and I'm like nobody else.

Count Basie isn't just a man, or even just a band. He's a way of life.

The naked female body is treated so weirdly in society. It's like people are constantly begging to see it, but once they do, someone's a hoe.

Every color I can think of and nationality, we were all touched by Dr. King because he made us like each other and respect each other.