I'm a descendant of someone bought and sold, and brought in 1619 in what was to become the United States.

Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude.

The Black female is assaulted in her tender years by all those common forces of nature at the same time she is caught in the tripartite crossfire of masculine prejudice, white illogical hate and Black lack of power.

Blacks concede that hurrawing, jibing, jiving, signifying, disrespecting, cursing, even outright insults might be acceptable under particular conditions, but aspersions cast against one's family call for immediate attack.

If you're going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased.

I know why the caged bird sings.

There is an amazing something in the American psyche which speaks about courage, and it says, 'Yes I can,' ... Yes, we will overcome it all because we have the spirit to do so.