When I was nine years old, Star Trek came on, I looked at it and I went screaming through the house, 'Come here, mum, everybody, come quick, come quick, there's a black lady on television and she ain't no maid!' I knew right then and there I could be anything I wanted to be.

Normal is in the eye of the beholder.

I don't have pet peeves like some people. I have whole kennels of irritation.

I've learned to take time for myself and to treat myself with a great deal of love and respect, because I like me.. I think I'm kind of cool.

I'd like somebody to get rid of the death tax. That's what I want. I don't want to get taxed just because I died. I just don't think it's right. If I give something to my kid, I already paid the tax. Why should I have to pay it again because I died?

I'm fighting the label of 'Black' actress simply because it's very limiting in people's eyes, especially people who are making movies.

It bums me out tremendously what the church has become, and if it's got me bummed, imagine what Jesus Christ must be feeling.