I have to earn re-election. Thats the way I see it.

Only by acknowledging the success and sacrifice made by those who came before us, can we fully understand what we must do to ensure the liberty of those who will succeed us.

There is no doubt that Stop-and-Frisk does not yield the desired results, and it is apparent that it disproportionately targets minority communities.

We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation's greatness.

We examine and highlight the history of the African descendants in America, and know that each and every one of us has come this far because of our faith in this country.

Good Dems are good Dems. They want a representative that really reflects their values.

I would put myself towards left of center.

My father has been the real anchor of the family. Hes the one who has always encouraged my mother, my brother and me.

Even after facing jail, Martin Luther King, Jr. courageously and boldly spoke out against racial inequality.

Beware of those who criticize you when you deserve some praise for an achievement, for it is they who secretly desire to be worshiped.

To give pleasure to a single heart by a single kind act is better than a thousand head-bowings in prayer.

Music is the social act of communication among people, a gesture of friendship, the strongest there is.

I cannot listen to Beethoven or Mahler or Chopin or Bach when I write because those composers require you stop what you are doing and listen.

The most powerful idea that's entered the world in the last few thousand years - the idea of grace - is the reason I would like to be a Christian.

There are two things that make a room timeless: a sense of history and a piece of the future.

You cannot learn what you are made of if you rely on anyone or anything else to help you.

I find that protein wakes up my brain and gets me ready for the rest of my day.

You believe by doubting and you doubt by believing; yet this state too is not the final one.

The scariest, most terrifying thing that I fear? Yes. My Imagination. I thought you were going to say "Fear, itself." Then you have a small imagination.