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I am an African-American in America. That will never change. But I don't have to be defined by that.

There's no such thing as second class citizenship. That's like telling me you can be a little bit pregnant.

I'm tired of being treated like a second-class citizen.

I went to a segregated school; I was born a Negro, not a black man.

I was discriminated against because I was Jewish, Italian, black and Puerto Rican. But maybe the worst prejudice I experienced was against the poor. I grew up on welfare and often had to move in the middle of the night because we couldn't pay the rent.

Women are still second-class citizens.

My mother inspired me to treat others as I would want to be treated regardless of age, race or financial status.

My parents regarded school teachers as higher beings, as did many immigrants.

I'm a kid who grew up in an all African-American neighborhood and got into schools and aspired to just be me, and didn't worry about labels or anything. Just wanted to be a success at what I did.

When I think of my work, I'm aware that I'm American and African at all points and times. And without a doubt, my experience and understanding of America was shaped by having immigrant parents.