You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.

Every artist, true artist, struggles with an overwhelming sense of feeling like you're not worthy.

We as artists cannot be politicians. We as artists can only be truth-tellers.

When you're really passionate, you're going to grab hold of every rope you see, and wrap them around your arms and legs to claw your way out. And that's the way I've felt in my life.

I think sometimes what people miss about black people is that we're complicated.

It would be great to bust through and make history. But what's more important is the opportunity to continue to get roles that are complicated and wonderful, to be a part of the narrative and to get to do what our counterparts are able to do. It doesn't just stop at holding an award.

I think at the end of the day she [Rose from "Fences"] is a strong woman in the truest sense of the word. I think all of that is in the narrative; it's already there. The hope is there; the playfulness is there; it's there. I wish I could take credit for it, but it's there.