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.

If culture was a railroad, I can see the tracks running from the Spirituals to the Hip Hop Nation.

Ever been kidnapped by a poet if i were a poet i'd kidnap you put you in my phrases and meter.

Poetry is like air. It's one of the necessary things. Everyone benefits from poetry. And as you know, poetry is international. There are only two things that are truly international, poetry and wine.

We black women are the single group in the West intact. And anybody can see we're pretty shaky. We are, however (all praises), the only group that derives its identity from itself.

If I can't do what I want to do, then my job is to not do what I want to do. It's not the same thing, but it's the best thing I can do.

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.