Content is of great importance, but we must not underrate the value of style.
Dignity doesn’t just mean always being stiff and composed. It means a belief in oneself, that one is worthy of the best. Dignity means that what I have to say is important, and I will say it when it’s important for me to say it. Dignity really means that I deserve the best treatment I can receive. And that I have the responsibility to give the best treatment I can to other people.
I am never proud to participate in violence, yet I know that each of us must care enough for ourselves to be ready and able to come to our own defense.
I do my best because I’m counting on you counting on me.
I have a certain way of being in this world, and I shall not, I shall not be moved from doing what I think is right by jealousy, ignorance, or hate.
If I am comfortable inside my skin, I have the ability to make other people comfortable inside their skins.
If we have someone who loves us—I don’t mean who indulges us, but who loves us enough to be on our side—then it’s easier to grow resilience, to grow belief in self, to grow self-esteem. And it’s self-esteem that allows a person to stand up.
It is important that we learn humility, which says there was someone else before me who paid for me. My responsibility is to prepare myself so that I can pay for someone else who is yet to come.
Once when Oprah Winfrey was upset by a story in a tabloid I encouraged her to understand, “You’re not in it. People will try to peck you to death like a duck but you’re not in it.” That is my advice to all of you when others dare to disgrace your name.
The idea of overcoming is always fascinating to me. It’s fascinating because few of us realize how much energy we have expended just to be here today. I don’t think we give ourselves enough credit for the overcoming.
Try rather to be so much yourself that the clothes you choose increase your naturalness and grace. We must stay vigilant and be very careful of how we allow ourselves to be addressed.
What I have always wanted is to be of use. I will not be abused. I will not be misused, not willingly. But I will be of use. Anybody who is not of use is useless.
You have been paid for. Each of you, Black, White, Brown, Yellow, Red—whatever pigment you use to describe yourselves—has been paid for. But for the sacrifices made by some of your ancestors, you would not be here; they have paid for you. So, when you enter a challenging situation, bring them on the stage with you; let their distant voices add timbre and strength to your words. For it is your job to pay for those who are yet to come.
