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.

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.

Essence' is political. I grew up on the magazine, looking at the covers. Seeing ourselves on the cover is political.

I tell young entrepreneurs to use the leader in their industry and as a benchmark as they work to create their own brand. Don't look at what your competition is doing - if you emulate the leader in your industry, you will achieve a higher level of engagement with consumers and make their buying experience richer.

Business has to have a seat at the table. Infrastructure isn't going to be built properly if business doesn't have a seat at the table. A school is not going to happen if businesses don't work with schools about what kind of jobs they really need.

I don't have to forsake my career as a musician. I know how to write songs - that's not going to leave me. But I think it's good to explore some other avenues.

I was so fully involved in football and building a career that I didn't spend nearly enough time with my son when he was growing up.