The talents of an artist, small or large, are God-given... They are a sacred trust.

The answer to injustice is not to silence the critic but to end the injustice.

At every step the vast majority have expressed horror at the idea of an aggressive war.

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.

Art is not just to show life as it is, but to show life as it should be.

I feel closer to my country than ever. There is no longer a feeling of lonesome isolation. Instead-peace. I return without fearing prejudice that once bothered me . . . for I know that people practice cruel bigotry in their ignorance, not maliciously