People who are sick, or who have been sick, or have come close to death have a lot to say - and they want you to hear it.

- Anna Deavere Smith

Hope is when you look out the window and you go, 'It doesn't look good at all, but I'm going to go beyond what I see to give people visions of what c…

- Anna Deavere Smith

Racism has been for everyone like a horrible, tragic car crash, and we've all been heavily sedated from it. If we don't come into consciousness of th…

- Anna Deavere Smith

I happen to be a hopeaholic. I tend to look at problems as an opportunity to do some work.

- Anna Deavere Smith

You can't teach talent. You can't teach inspiration. You can teach people critical facilities. You can give them techniques. You can teach discipline…

- Anna Deavere Smith

Artists are the people that no matter what, pick up the pen, pick up a paintbrush. They take the time to translate what is happening to create someth…

- Anna Deavere Smith

I am not myself; I am the potential of myself.

- Anna Deavere Smith

President Obama called for a 'we' nation in his Inauguration Address. Art convenes. It is not just inspirational. It is aspirational. It pricks the w…

- Anna Deavere Smith

Be more than ready. Be present in your discipline. Remember your gift. Be grateful for your gift and treat it like a gift. Cherish it, take care of i…

- Anna Deavere Smith