“So everyone making sure that I’m OK has turned what could’ve been a very scary, nerve-racking and lonely experience into a supportive environment.”

She can switch up the delivery, but it’s still with the right intention.

That’s what you want art to do, to open people up and start conversations.

That’s how clueless I was. I just thought I could show up.

I want to tell authentic, real stories with real characters.

I think L.A. is beautiful.

I grew up in New York and I’ve always lived here, so I look at myself as a regular person.

I have a Twitter handle, but I never sign on.

And I’m not sure if he [made his comments on Trayvon] because he was asked a question and he was trying to be diplomatic and neutral – that can’t happen.

My mother’s a pretty warm, open person.

I was reading the paper and saw a cartoon with Ray Kelly frisking Obama, and I was like “Wait, what’s happening?” so I Googled it.

I love that you can watch a film and 10 years later still be affected.

I realized in school I didn’t like it. When he died, it was like a wake-up call.

Everybody has been amazing, and the energy is really beautiful. I’m replacing my friend Condola

I feel like they’re talking about someone else we both know.

During the first show, I was like, “Wow, I’m onstage with Ms. Tyson!”

He passed away really young

Imagine now a man who is deprived of everyone he loves, and at the same time of his house, his habits, his clothes, in short, of everything he possesses: he will be a hollow man, reduced to suffering and needs, forgetful of dignity and restraint, for he who loses all often loses himself.

I don’t want everyone to like me; I should think less of myself if some people did.

I think I write for reluctant readers. Of course I want everyone to enjoy my books, but if the kids in the back row who normally don’t pick up a book are engaged with what I’m writing, along with the kids who are big readers anyway, then I really feel like I’ve done my job.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

I think everyone has to ask, how do companies make their money? Follow the money. And if they’re making money mainly by collecting gobs of personal data, I think you have a right to be worried.

(Some people say “Never let them see you cry.” I say, if you’re so mad you could just cry, then cry. It terrifies everyone.)

I learned to ride a ten-speed when I was 4 or 5. My uncle gave me the bike, hand-me-down, and everyone used to stare at me riding up and down this block. I was too short to reach the pedals, so I put my legs through the V of the frame. I was famous. The little kid who could ride the ten-speed.

Everyone says they want community and friendship. But mention accountability or commitment to people, and they run the other way.