I am a woman phenomenally, phenomenal woman that is your grandmother, that is your mother, that is your sister, that is you and that is me.

Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.

The poetry you read has been written for you, each of you - black, white, Hispanic, man, woman, gay, straight.

You think you may not be heard. Speak anyway.

I believe talent is like electricity. We don't understand electricity. We use it. You can plug into it and light up a lamp, keep a heart pump going, light a cathedral, or you can electrocute a person with it. Electricity will do all that. It makes no judgment. I think talent is like that. I believe every person is born with talent.

Forgive yourself - no one else will.

If we are bold, love strikes away the chains of fear from our souls.