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I hear all the time from our audience about how it's nice to see a positive African-American role model for the younger kids out there that are watching.

When I was a kid, no one would believe anything positive that you could say about black people. That's a terrible burden.

When I got near teen age, I was so happy with my friends and the African-American culture that I couldn't imagine not being part of it.

We put stereotypes on ourselves. Everybody does that. But I think it's just a little harder for black kids to just be who they are.

As an African-American, I know all too well the negative thoughts and feelings hatred and bigotry cause.

I get tired of hearing people, well-meaning people, talking about African-American kids or Hispanic kids as if they're all the same. Which isn't true. There is a very diverse group of people in both groups in terms of income, objectives in life, aspirations, cultural wants, habits, all the things that make us unique Americans.

Children may not notice the positive moments in life unless we point them out to them.

I think a lot of African-American kids don't have fathers to teach them how to dress, so you end up being taught by pictures in magazine and movies. You see cowboys, Indians, old Hollywood films, Cary Grant. It has an effect on you.

As a child, I experienced black culture as many people did in America: on the TV, radio, and stages.