I try to explore, in terms of the life I know best, those things which are common to all cultures.

Anything you want to know, you ask the characters.

I've lived a blessed life. I'm ready.

There's no idea in the world that is not contained by black life. I could write forever about the black experience in America.

From Romare Bearden I learned that the fullness and richness of everyday life can be rendered without compromise or sentimentality.

We were what you would call a poor family, but we were rich in so many things. We did family things together. We always had dessert, even if it was just Jell-O. So, I never knew I was poor.