I really want the sense of black people being interconnected: If you black and you from Chicago, there's a connective tissue we all have. Even if you're not blood related, that doesn't mean I can't look out for you.

I do think it's important for black writers to show that we too can make it into the mainstream. Growing up, I didn't just watch The Cosby Show, I watched Growing Pains and Family Ties too. We can tell those stories too.

The only way you really see change is by helping to create it.

I always want to challenge myself as a writer. I consider myself more of a writer than I do a director.

You can talk all day long, but if you don't do something, it's a waste.

I never like to do something that it feels like I've done before.

My brand is good storytelling. I really want [my company] Hillman Grad Productions to be associated with great stories, interesting characters; things that are three-dimensional and feel honest.