You have to be taught to be second class; you're not born that way. But the slanting process is so subtle that you frequently don't realize how you're being slanted until very late in the game.

Don't be afraid to feel as angry or as loving as you can, because when you feel nothing, it's just death.

Always be smarter than the people who hire you.

I'm me, and I'm like nobody else.

The best thing about living... Is the chance to keep on doing it!

My identity is very clear to me now, I am a black woman.

Nobody black or white who really believes in democracy can stand aside now; everybody's got to stand up and be counted.

You have to be taught to be second class; you're not born that way.

You wouldn't be allowed to get on a particular bus, but you'd be asked to sign your autograph.

I found out along the way that they like you a little imperfect.

A little nepotism never hurt nobody, honey. If you got it, use it. Press on with it. Remind them of it.

I am not getting any younger and am taking a new approach to life.

When our inner child is not nurtured and nourished, our minds gradually close to new ideas, unprofitable commitments and the surprises of the Spirit.

Principle is OK up to a certain point, but principle doesn't do any good if you lose.

I think every character I play has a physicality to them, so I have to stay in some sort of shape. I'll never be a size two. And I don't want to be a size two.

The time is 'now' to do something - don't drag your feet.

Vengeance fixes your attention on life's ugliest moments. Is this where you want to look? Remember: God dispenses perfect justice.

There is nothing useless in nature; not even uselessness itself

Most actors will tell you that it takes a while to figure out what you want to be because we just want to do everything we see on TV and don't know that 'actor' is a job yet.

I'm attracted to the underrated characters.

Maybe it's a little ambitious of me to presume that no matter how big the film is, that I can always go down to the shop to buy a pint of milk.