The challenge throughout has been to tell what I view as the truth about racism without causing disabling despair.

Slavery is, as an example of what white America has done, a constant reminder of what white America might do.

Courage is a finite resource, it is exhausted by the terrors we face.

Education leads to enlightenment. Enlightenment opens the way to empathy. Empathy foreshadows reform.

A rule without exceptions is an instrument capable of doing mischief to the innocent and bringing grief - as well as injustice - to those who should gain exemptions from the rule's functioning.

Few whites are ready to actively promote civil rights for blacks.

We live in a system that espouses merit, equality, and a level playing field, but exalts those with wealth, power, and celebrity, however gained.

Self-esteem is like a difficult-to-cultivate flower. It requires frequent nurturing that occurs when you keep your word and follow through on your promises.

Courage is a decision you make to act in a way that works through your own fear for the greater good as opposed to pure self-interest. Courage means putting at risk your immediate self-interest for what you believe is right.

I live to harass white folks.

However self-sufficient we may fancy ourselves, we exist only in relation - to our friend, family, and life partners to those we teach and mentor to our coworkers, neighbors, strangers and even to forces we cannot fully conceive of, let alone define. In many ways, we are our relationships.

My wife says I spend my life trying to teach white folks. I'm not so sure I'm proud of it, but she's right.