"There is no such thing as race. None. There is just a human race — scientifically, anthropologically. Racism is a construct, a social construct… it has a social function, racism."

"Racism is a distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining over and over again, your reason for being."

"The human body is a mystery."

"Slavery is never a choice. It's a condition."

"I'm not interested in being a black writer. I'm interested in being a writer who happens to be black."