When you know better you do better.

Don't let anybody raise you. You've been raised.

Each one of us has lived through some devastation, some loneliness, some weather superstorm or spiritual superstorm, when we look at each other we must say, I understand. I understand how you feel because I have been there myself. We must support each other and empathize with each other because each of us is more alike than we are unalike.

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.

Had I known that the heart breaks slowly, dismantling itself into unrecognizable plots of misery... had I known yet I would have loved you, your brash and insolent beauty, your heavy comedic face and knowledge of sweet delights, but from a distance I would have left you whole and wholly for the delectation of those who wanted more and cared less.

I write because I am a Black woman, listening attentively to her people.

We need to not be in denial about what we've done, what we've come through. It will help us if we all do that.