On the streets of the city They have taken my Who-I-Am As well as my What-I-Was And now I am desperate for them both Again

The idea of voluntary segregation went against every value I had been taught. What did being born black have to do with excellence?

We need to tell young people that America was built by men and women of all colors and that the future of this country is dependent on the participation of all of our citizens.

It's a hard life sometimes and the biggest temptation is to let how hard it is be an excuse to weaken

I wrote for magazines. I wrote adventure stuff, I wrote for the 'National Enquirer,' I wrote advertising copy for cemeteries.

But now, like a fallen sparrow On a golden chain, I'm forever bound in shadow, A prisoner to my pain.

We all think we're different, but when it comes around, we end up needing the same things. Somebody to love us. Somebody to respect us.