"Negro artists, let’s create, even the most serious among us, our own beauty."

"I look at the world from awakening eyes in a black face—and this is what I see."

"The blues are a part of me."

"I am so tired of waiting, aren’t you, for the world to become good and beautiful and kind?"

"I do not need my freedom when I'm dead. I cannot live on tomorrow's bread. Freedom Is a strong seed. Planted In a great need. I live here, too. I want freedom. Just as you."