“From what we get, we can make a living. What we give; however, makes a life.”

“We blacks look for leadership in men and women of such youth and inexperience, as well as poverty of education and character, that it is no wonder that we sometimes seem rudderless.... We see basketball players and pop singers as possible role models, when nothing could be further, in most cases, from their capacities.”

“The best way to judge a life is to ask yourself, "Did I make the best use of the time I had?”

“Wherever I am when you feel sick at heart and weary of life, or when you stumble and fall and don’t know if you can get up again, think of me. I will be watching and smiling and cheering on.”

“You’ve got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing.”

“Regardless of how you feel inside, always try to look like a winner. Even if you’re behind, a sustained look of control and confidence can give you a mental edge that results in victory.”

“Racism is not an excuse to not do the best you can.”