Interracial Dialogue Quotes

It's a totally different spiel when I talk at Morehouse. But when I'm talking at MIT? At the University of Cincinnati? I'm telling white people, in order to stop systemic racism, you must first befriend, become a colleague of, get to know intimately, put yourself culturally in the framework of someone who doesn't look like you.

And what happens a lot of times when - let's just speak specifically white and black - when white or black people feel misunderstood when it comes to talking about race, they immediately get defensive.

I don't think you can bring the races together by joking about the differences between them. I'd rather talk about the similarities, about what's universal in their experiences.

After Civil Rights, it was very awkward for whites and blacks. We didn't know how to talk to each other.

Sidney Poitier became a star in part by helping black and white Americans negotiate their new relationship in the post-Civil Rights era.

It's very important for me to have dialogues across racial lines.

The thing about '48 Hrs.' that really isn't thought about much is that's the first film where the black and the white criticize each other.

Whites have not had to build the cognitive or affective skills or develop the stamina that would allow for constructive engagement across racial divides.

I believe there are certainly racial problems in this country, and I believe that peaceful solutions can help bring the races together.

I think 'In The Heat Of The Night' was one of the most influential films on me. Looking back now, I can see how influential it was on my screenwriting because here you have what looks to be a crime procedural, and it's actually a study in race and loneliness, and a perception of an era.

When was the last time each of us discussed the issue of race with a member of another race?

You have to be in accountable relationships across race. Accountable means that they're authentic, they're sustained, and that you do talk about racism, and you are able to be given feedback.