Since the days of slavery, if you were a good singer or dancer, it was your job to perform for the master after dinner.

American slavery was not a Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western. It was a holocaust. My ancestors are slaves. Stolen from Africa. I will honor them.

Because many advances have happened, we've lost the urgency (and that's just human nature) that we had before, when we couldn't vote, couldn't use mass transportation, or drink from the fountains.

Stick around long enough, you'll get some grace.

I don't really analyze my stuff when I write. I write about stuff that I'm interested in, that I'm feeling at that particular time. When I stand back and look at the complete work, I might see themes that run through the whole film, but I'm not really conscious of it when I'm doing it.

I had a great education. From kindergarten to John Dewey High School in Coney Island, I am public-school educated.

I miss my brother. Prince was a funny cat. Great sence of humor.