The hope, the hope that lives in the breast of the black American, is just so tremendous that it overwhelms me sometimes.

Jealousy in romance is like salt in food. A little can enhance the savor, but too much can spoil the pleasure and, under certain circumstances, can be life-threatening.

When the storyteller tells the truth, she reminds us that human beings are more alike than unalike... A story is what it's like to be a human being-to be knocked down and to miraculously arise. Each one of us has arisen, awakened. We do rise.

Each of us has the power and responsibility to become a rainbow in the clouds.

Live as though life was created for you.

Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant.

Women should be tough, tender, laugh as much as possible, and live long lives.