Ruby Dee

“I think all human beings have a godlike, divine power, only most of us don't tap into it.”

“I don't remember, as a child, feeling a lack of anything.”

“'Commitment' is a marvelous word.”

“You're not supposed to go into business with the sole purpose of putting your neighbor out of business. This is not the United States of Corporate America.”

“God, make me so uncomfortable that I will do the very thing I fear.”

“I didn't realize it until I was grown how necessary it is for good people to be tough.”

“The greatest gift is not being afraid to question.”

“I do remember the numbers runners, I do remember the poverty and bread lines. Harlem stays with you forever.”

“Just staying together is not a real virtue, if you're not happy. Or you're being denied. Or one person is being squashed. Or you really don't love each other; you're just there out of habit. That doesn't work, no matter how many years you stay together.”

“An Oscar nomination? That would be a very satisfying thing, I'm sure. I would appreciate the thought. It would be like taking your hat off as an actor to all the people who walk through you.”