"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I'm a survivor. I'm a black woman. I am a writer. I am a poet. I am a dancer. I am a singer. I am a cook. I am a mother. I am a lover. I am a friend. I am a human being. I am a lot of things. And I'm …"

"The first time I read a book, I cried. The first time I wrote a book, I cried. It's a wonderful feeling."

"I believe that courage is the most important thing a person can have. And I believe that courage can help you overcome any obstacle."

"I'm a teacher. I've been a teacher all my life. I teach through my writing, through my speaking, through my singing, through my dancing, through my acting."