You feel the shame, humiliation, and anger at being just another victim of prejudice, and at the same time, there's the nagging worry that maybe... you're just no good.

You've got to learn to leave the table When love's no longer being served".

I tell you what freedom is to me: no fear.

What kept me sane was knowing that things would change, and it was a question of keeping myself together until they did.

You can't help it. An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times.

Life is short. People are not easy to know. They're not easy to know, so if you don't tell them how you feel, you're not going to get anywhere, I feel.

You have to learn to get up from the table when love is not being served.

Talent is a burden not a joy. I am not of this planet. I do not come from you. I am not like you.

How do you explain what it feels like to get on the stage and make poetry that you know sinks into the hearts and souls of people who are unable to express it

There's no excuse for the young people not knowing who the heroes and heroines are or were.

Slavery has never been abolished from America's way of thinking.

Sometimes, crazy is exactly what we need.

Sometimes the things that happen aren't as important as the things you remember.

Well, this is how I feel: I want to live by the ocean but also in the forest but also in the mountains but also in a big city but also in the countryside. Do you understand me?

Women sometimes allow you to be unfaithful to their love; they never allow you to wound their self-esteem.

My success lies in having achieved a record numbers of failures.

You never know what show is going to change your life.

A man without self-restraint is like a barrel without hoops, and tumbles to pieces.

In fact, I thought my calling was to be a painter.

While a little faith may bring your souls to heaven, a lot of faith--clinging to God despite your circumstances--will bring heaven to your soul

Events bring you small joy, while #‎ existence brings you bliss.