Let's be honest: For a lot of well-meaning, open-minded white people, the sight of a young, black man in a hoodie still evokes a twinge of fear.

Don't let anybody tell you it's corporations and businesses that create jobs.

The American people are tired of liars and people who pretend to be something they're not.

In too many instances, the march to globalization has also meant the marginalization of women and girls. And that must change.

Islam is the fastest-growing religion in America, a guide and pillar of stability for many of our people.

You cannot have maternal health without reproductive health. And reproductive health includes contraception and family planning and access to legal, safe abortion.

There cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard. There cannot be true democracy unless women are given the opportunity to take responsibility for their own lives.

I really do hope that we have a woman president in my lifetime.

We must stop thinking of the individual and start thinking about what is best for society.

Human rights are women's rights, and women's rights are human rights. Let us not forget that among those rights are the right to speak freely - and the right to be heard.

I have to confess that it's crossed my mind that you could not be a Republican and a Christian.

You can either go home with enough money or enough excuses, but not both!

I began [blogging] because I have this handicap - I can't figure out my life or see God clearly unless I untangle my life again with words.

When I'm painting and drawing I only do people. Acting is obviously portraiture - and writing is as well.

Nothing again. No one is listening. No one is waiting to hear the kicking of a man above. It is unexpected. You have no ears for someone like me.

To be in touch with yourself requires great sensitivity to everything that's going on here and now.

Man can see his reflection in water only when he bends down close to it, and the heart of man, too, must lean down to the heart of his fellow; then it will see itself within his heart.

Writing with other people is the only way I ever really work. In some ways it's great because it's helpful to someone pull you out of the loop.

Ever notice how people wait until they're not going to see you anymore to say something nice to you?

Even though my grandparents live overseas and are so far away and we talk as much as we can, we don't see each other that often.

With the daguerreotype, everyone will be able to have their portrait taken . . . and at the same time everything is being done to make us all look exactly the same.