We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.

In all my work, in the movies I write, the lyrics, the poetry, the prose, the essays, I am saying that we may encounter many defeats - maybe it's imperative that we encounter the defeats - but we are much stronger than we appear to be and maybe much better than we allow ourselves to be. Human beings are more alike than unalike.

You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. Please remember that your difficulties do not define you. They simply strengthen your ability to overcome.

You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.

I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it.

In so many ways, segregation shaped me, and education liberated me.