Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances. You are a child of God. Stand up straight.

Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude.

My pride had been starched by a family who assumed unlimited authority in its own affairs.

We are growing up. We are growing up! Out of the idiocies - the ignorances of racism and sexism and ageism and all those ignorances.

You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I'll rise!

Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time.

In all the institutions I try to be present and accountable for all I do and leave undone. I know that eventually I shall have to be present and accountable n the presence of God. I do not wish to be found wanting.