You're only as good as your last book.

I like what they're doing. I think they're doing a good job, and I know that a lot of people are upset by them. These are great young men and women, and they're bold, and they are saying to America, "Something's going to change." I'm very proud of them.

Hip-hop is a cultural expression - it's embracing.

Most of my books are a two-year project. I tend to follow my heart and my mind and research materials where they take me.

I am honest; I try to be truthful. I like people and wish us well. We are not always deserving of our own best wishes.

I just think she was a wonderful woman. What I think of when I think of Nina [Simone] is someone that I could relate to, who didn't want anything from me, that could relate to me because I didn't want anything from her. It was nice.

I think that too many strangers were in her [Nina Simone's] life, and not enough people that she knew and loved.