My idea is to give hope, because where there is no hope, there is no vision, and where there is no vision, people will perish.

If you are a woman living, you've been done wrong by a man.

Have the boldness to tell yourself the truth - every bit of it.

My first day in Chicago, September 4, 1983. I set foot in this city, and just walking down the street, it was like roots, like the motherland. I knew I belonged here.

I want people to be more open and tolerant. I want them to know that behind every stranger is a backstory that is the common denominator - for we all share in the human experience: pain, sadness, grief, lack of love, and then, with hope and help, step by step achievements.

If you're sitting around waiting on somebody to save you, to fix you, to even help you, you are wasting your time because only you have the power to take responsibility to move your life forward.

Find the courage to seek out your big dream, regardless of what anyone else says or thinks.