"I'm happy to be a writer - of prose, poetry, every kind of writing. Every person in the world who isn't a recluse, hermit or mute uses words. I know of no other art form that we always use."
"Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time."
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."
"Segregation shaped me; education liberated me."
"I am overwhelmed by the grace and persistence of my people."
"If I'm the people's poet, then I ought to be in people's hands - and, I hope, in their heart."