So in Jamaica it is the aim of everybody to talk English, act English and look English. And that last specification is where the greatest difficulties arise. It is not so difficult to put a coat of European culture over African culture, but it is next to impossible to lay a European face over an African face in the same generation.

There is something about poverty that smells like death.

I feel most colored when I am thrown against a sharp white background.

He was the average mortal. It troubled him to get used to the world one way and then suddenly have it turn different.

The whole matter revolves around the self-respect of my people. How much satisfaction can I get from a court order for somebody toassociate with me who does not wish me near them?

She didn't read books so she didn't know that she was the world and the heavens boiled down to a drop.

Don't you love nobody better'n you do yo'self. Do, you'll be dying befo' yo' time is out.