The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to speak openly and candidly on the subject of race, and to apply the Constitution with eyes open to the unfortunate effects of centuries of racial discrimination.

I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences. Today is one of those experiences.

All judges have cases that touch our passions deeply, but we all struggle constantly with remaining impartial.

Since I have difficulty defining merit and what merit alone means - and in any context, whether it's judicial or otherwise - I accept that different experiences in and of itself, bring merit to the system.

You make your life choices understanding that you might and do have to work harder to prove yourself.

I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.

Don't mistake politeness for lack of strength.