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.

I found out along the way that they like you a little imperfect.

I'm me, and I'm like nobody else.

It's so nice to get flowers while you can still smell the fragrance.

I thought of singing and acting as a living-making. I was able to take care of myself and a few of my friends.

Malcolm X raised my consciousness about myself and my people and other people more than any person I know. I knew him before he became Malcolm X.

I want to sing like Aretha Franklin. Before her I wanted the technical ability of Ella Fitzgerald.