Adam Clayton Powell Jr. was a very savvy character. His drinking and carousing, his charisma and intelligence... the things he did in Congress. He passed for white, then became a black advocate.

That's my job as an actor - to go on and try to do the work so subtle and so fine and specific that the memories will linger for a long time.

I've always loved Harlem and its communities.

I'm a Jersey kid originally, and I went to Ramapo State College. That was back in '78.

So many kids are still sitting in pews being told they are not worthy of God's love. 'Sissies' will show them they are not alone, and I hope that healing will follow.

Churches that should be talking about the work of Christ on the cross and the grace of God for sinners are stuck on recycled pop psychology, moral exhortation, or entertainment. But these fail to speak to the eternal question that haunts all of us: 'How do I know that I'm OK?' We all want to know we are justified.

Most sermons sound to me like commercials - but I can't make out whether God is the Sponsor or the Product.

Affliction is not sent in vain, young man, from that good God, who chastens whom he loves.