If you can't count, they can cheat you. If you can't read, they can beat you.

You free. Nothing and nobody is obliged to save you but you.

If a Negro got legs he ought to use them. Sit down too long, somebody will figure out a way to tie them up.

I wish I’d a knowed more people. I would of loved ‘em all. If I’d a knowed more, I would a loved more

Make a difference about something other than yourselves.

I'm always annoyed about why black people have to bear the brunt of everybody else's contempt. If we are not totally understanding and smiling, suddenly we're demons.

The best part of all, the absolutely most delicious part, is finishing it and then doing it over I rewrite a lot, over and over again, so that it looks like I never did.