The fact that the adult American Negro female emerges a formidable character is often met with amazement, distaste and even belligerance. It is seldom accepted as an inevitable outcome of the struggle won by survivors, and deserves respect if not enthusiastic acceptance.

One of the saddest things in the world is to see a cynical young person.

I made the decision to quit show business. Give up the skintight dresses and manicured smiles. The false concern over sentimental lyrics. I would never again work to make people smile inanely and would take on the responsibility of making them think.

We can learn to see each other and see ourselves in each other and recognize that human beings are more alike than we are unalike.

The sadness of the women's movement is that they don't allow the necessity of love. See, I don't personally trust any revolution where love is not allowed.

The needs of a society determine its ethics.

I suggest that the great art belongs to all people, all the time--that indeed it is made for the people, by the people, to the people.