Be black, shine, aim high.

The way I was taught, being black was a plus, always. Being a human being, being in America, and being black, all three were the greatest things that could happen to you. The combination was unbeatable.

All token Blacks have the same experience. I have been pointed at as a solution to things that have not yet begun to be solved, because pointing at us token Blacks eases consciences of millions, and this is dreadfully wrong.

Accomplishments have no color.

I have never given all of myself, even vocally, to anyone. I was taught to sing on your interest, not your capital.

If you are going to think black, think positive about it. Don't think down on it, or think it is something in your way. And this way, when you really do want to stretch out and express how beautiful black is, everybody will hear you.

You should always know when you're shifting gears in life. You should leave your era - it should never leave you.