In a typical history book, black Americans are mentioned in the context of slavery or civil rights. There's so much more to the story.

I did a book in 1996, an overview of black history. In that process I became more aware of a lot of the black inventors of the 19th century.

I think black Americans expect too much from individual black Americans in terms of changing the status quo.

During Black History Month, I'm reminded yet again of the ways that the struggle for civil rights is interwoven with the struggle for workers' rights.

I think race has been a burden for black Americans. Being Muslim has also been a challenge because so many people do not understand Islam.

[O]ur revolt was as much against the traditional black leadership structure as it was against segregation and discrimination.