People have to feel needed. Frequently, we just offer a job and 'perks.' We don't always offer people a purpose. When people feel there is a purpose and that they're needed, there's not much else to do except let them do the work.

I speak to the black experience, but I am always talking about the human condition.

Each time a dancer moves devoutly or a composer faithfully searches the silence for the veiled melodies, eternity is engaged.

I will look after you and I will look after anybody you say needs to be looked after, any way you say. I am here. I brought my whole self to you. I am your mother.

Dr. [Martin Luther] King was a human being. He had a sense of humor which was wonderful.

Talent is like electricity. We don't understand electricity. We use it.

I think we have systematically and critically harmed ourselves and many young people by advising them not to try things.