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.

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

I'm not in the business of making us look clean, but I don't want us to look like monsters either. I think there is a little bit of hero and villain in all of us.

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.

Your first obligation as a writer is to tell the truth and to tell a good story.

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

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