I've always been interested in the Depression as this very dramatic pivotal period in American history.

There's so much in American history that has been hidden and shunned.

Black history is American history.

I don't want a Black History Month. Black history is American history.

It's not painful to relive it. I'm comfortable with my position in American history.

Gore Vidal has been a friend of mine for years, and he's one of the greatest writers in American history.