If growing up is painful for the Southern Black girl, being aware of her displacement is the rust on the razor that threatens the throat. It is an unnecessary insult.

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

I agreed a long time ago, I would not live at any cost. If I am moved or forced away from what I think is the right thing, I will not do it.

When we cast our bread upon the waters we can presume that someone downstream whose face we will never know will benefit from our action, as we who are downstream from another will profit from the grantor's gift.

The children to whom we read simple stories may or may not show gratitude, but each boon we give strengthens the pillars of the world.

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 thorn from the bush one has planted, nourished and pruned pricks more deeply and draws more blood.