My father was a slave and my people died to build this country and I am going to stay here and have a part of it just like you.

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.

And, gentlemen, they have not yet done so, and it is quite clear that no Americans, no people in the world probably, are going to war with the Soviet Union.

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

Yes, I heard my people singing!-in the glow of parlor coal-stove and on summer porches sweet with lilac air, from choir loft and Sunday morning pews-and my soul was filled with their harmonies.

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

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