“We all get misinformation growing up about people who are different from ourselves.”

Heads of warring nations could learn a lot about how to achieve lasting peace by watching dogs and cats who live in the same house.

The task for each of us, White and of color, is to identify what our own sphere of influence is (however large or small) and to consider how it might be used to interrupt the cycle of racism.

Many white people experience themselves as powerless, even in the face of privilege. But the fact is that we all have a sphere of influence, some domain in which we exercise some level of power and control.

In order to prevent chronic discomfort, Whites may learn not to notice.

To say that it is not our fault does not relieve us of responsibility. However, we may not have polluted the air, but we need to take responsibility, along with others, for cleaning it up.

The task of resisting our own oppression does not relieve us of the responsibility of acknowledging our complicity in the oppression of others.

The place is changed now, and many familiar faces are gone, but the greatest change is myself.

Credulity as a character trait is encouraged in every child who grows up with religious training, which invariably insists on the virtue of blind faith and the sinfulness of doubting and questioning.

Well, you know what grown-ups are,’ said Dinah. ‘They don’t think the same way as we do.

I believe in a world of justice and human rights for all. A world where girls can grow up free of fear of abuse. A world where women are treated with the respect and dignity that is their right. A world where poverty is not acceptable. My dear young friends, you can make this your world.

In human history there has been a continuous and growing impulse toward the regeneration and transformation of humanity.

Growing up is loving what you can afford to.

Growing up in Jamaica, the Pentecostal church wasn’t that fiery thing you might think. It was very British, very proper. Hymns. No dancing. Very quiet. Very fundamental.

Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear and despair; these are the long, long years that bow the head and turn the growing spirit back to dust.