You can never go home again, but the truth is you can never leave home, so it's all right.

I want to be representative of my race-the human race. I have a chance to show how kind we can be, how intelligent and generous we can be.

My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy.

I am overwhelmed by the grace and persistence of my people.

When I want to think about what would be the right thing to do, the fair thing to do, the wise thing to do, I can just think of my grandmother. I can always hear her say, "Now sister, you know what's right. Just do right!"

But from a distance. I would have left you whole and wholly for the delectation of those who wanted more and cared less.

It's very important to know the neighbor next door and the people down the street and the people in another race.