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.

The best time to cry is at night, when the lights are out and someone is being beaten up and screaming for help.

As a child I wanted to be a professional athlete or lawyer.

New York is my favorite city.

They take away your shoelaces and your belt so you can’t kill yourself no matter how bad it is. I guess making you live is part of the punishment.

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

I know I'm tired of thinking about what I should have done yesterday. I know I'm just tired. If I knew what to do with my life, how to fix it up, I would have done it a long time ago. You can't dig that? You think I want to live like I'm somebody's throwaway?