In some states, not even 50 percent of black boys finish high school.

The data is going to indicate sadly that when the Obama administration is over, black people will have lost ground in every single leading economic indicator category.

The choices we make about the lives we live determine the kinds of legacies we leave.

Don't envy someone else's gift. Discover your own.

The storm came. Lives were washed away. Ancient pains resurfaced. Now it is time for a sea of change.

Sometimes rejection in life is really redirection.

I believe if we make black America better, we make all of America better.

We need to elect leaders who understand that leadership is about loving and serving people, not about self-advancement.

Regardless of your race, religion or political affiliation, never hesitate to question those in authority.

Poverty and wealth inequality are a form of instability into the future.

Capitalism is like a child: if you want the child to grow up free and productive, somebody's got to look over the shoulder of that child.

We sinned for no reason but an incomprehensible lack of love, and He saved us for no reason but an incomprehensible excess of love.

Take excuses and procrastination as your enemies. Let them see you and frown their faces and bypass you without greetings. You will excel if you don’t internalize the habit of giving excuses.

Better beware of the newly deadOf the white-handed ghostAnd the brightness of these lamps . . .

Because until you know what you want to be, other people are just going to keep trying to make you into something useful for them.

As with marathon runs and lengths of toilet paper, there had to be standards to measure up to.

Work at first rescues us, then ravages us.

I still play the guitar and piano, but hardly ever in public.

I never felt at peace with anything or anybody.

I, quite frankly, am grateful for every day. I don't take anything for granted.

And some win peace who spend The skill of words to sweeten despair Of finding consolation where Life has but one dark end.