I said it was my feeling that the American people would struggle for peace, and that has since been underscored by the President of these United States.

I've learned that my people are not the only ones oppressed... I have sung my songs all over the world and everywhere found that some common bond makes the people of all lands take to Negro songs as their own.

You know I am an actor, and I have medals for diction.

In my music, my plays, my films, I want to carry always this central idea: to be African.

Whether I am or am not a Communist is irrelevant. The question is whether American citizens, regardless of their political beliefs or sympathies, may enjoy their constitutional rights.

I do not hesitate one second to state clearly and unmistakably: I belong to the American resistance movement which fights against American imperialism, just as the resistance movement fought against Hitler.

Get them to sing your song and they will want to know who you are.