I'm a feminist; I grew up with feminism, but I also think there's a way in which we need to shake things up so that we can push it further and in other directions.

I was a waitress for nine years, which I don't regret at all. It taught me about discipline. I was always writing; it took a long time to make a career of it.

I'm a nomad. I have a place in New York in the Flatiron District, and I have a place in Paris in Ile Saint-Louis, and I spend a lot of time in Congo.

When you listen to other women's stories you begin to understand your own better and you begin to find ways back through and with each other.

My Auntie CeCe - I can kind of joke and say all I need to do is pray. But that's literally what she does... She lives what she sings. I've learned a lot about her in that way, so in bringing her to the stage, I knew what sort of demeanor she needed to have. Her songs are very reflective of who she is in real life.

Being religious means asking passionately the question of the meaning of our existence and being willing to receive answers, even if the answers hurt.

At Grinnell College, for the first time in my life, I was in an all-white setting. It was a shocking experience.

I am waiting for a sign that will indicate to me what meaning I must give to my life, but right now my existence is satisfactory.