Why would you create a movie for black people if you don't understand the history and perspective of the people you are doing it for? You need historical perspective to make sound decisions.

The business is so upside down now. It's not just about the bling-bling.

How did we suddenly become entranced with gangster culture? I saw it this morning on campus. When did the black community say we should all look like criminals?

Life is not without a little adventure, Adventure is not without a little danger, Success is not without a little failure

Ninety percent of the time, you're going to hear no. It took me seven years to make 'Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored.' Nobody wanted to see the movie made. I got the movie made.

Just having hope ain't going to cut it. You've got to have hope, passion and skills.

Black people don't even question things any more, they simply follow the lead.

A film should be an experience. You should feel something. It should motivate you to feel something.

One problem when you get energy and want to go with it is that with so large a cast of talented people, you have to wait three or four shows for some 'meat.'

The name of the game is efficiency; we have to play that game with our toys and our brains.

I’m a blank canvas that I can paint however I desire. For the first time ever, I get to be the character in my own fantasy land.

Never say that anything is hopeless, Tristal, until it has irreparably failed. And always remember that Elamm’ may perform any action, though it may seem impossible to you.

I really like to sometimes go into food detox and eat very simply.

All art is solitary and the studio is a torture area.

I never get bored of a workout, because I feel great after a session.

The life of great geniuses is nothing but a sublime storm.

The minute I started addressing my feelings, I actually came out of very negative situations.

There's been progress toward seeing that nature and culture are not opposing terms, and that wilderness is not the only kind of landscape for environmentalists to concern themselves with.

My Dear Reader Chum, a very hearty hello to you. What an honour and privilege it is to have you perusing my written word.

Our culture is biased against quiet and reserved people, but introverts are responsible for some of humanity's greatest achievements.