Tavis Smiley, the American author and broadcaster, has been a tireless advocate for social justice and empowerment in African American communities. Through his television and radio programs, Smiley has provided a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, addressing issues such as poverty, education, and racial inequality. His commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and fostering dialogue has made him a respected figure in media and activism.
"My role on television is one of helping people reexamine the assumptions that they hold. I regard Dr. King. You would never hear me get up and speak without in some way, shape or form, referencing, Dr. King."
"Jamestown changed the world in many ways, but perhaps it shaped our nation most profoundly the day Africans arrived. I can't think of a more relevant place to talk about the issues facing our community today than the place where African culture became American culture."
"I don't think that left to its own devices, capitalism moves along smoothly and everyone gets treated fairly in the process. Capitalism is like a child: if you want the child to grow up free and productive, somebody's got to look over the shoulder of that child."
"My personal assessment is that Dr. King is the greatest American we have ever produced. I can argue for Lincoln, I can argue for FDR, but for my money, King is the greatest American we have ever produced. His only weapon was love. He transforms a nation, transforms the world with one weapon and that of course being again the weapon of love. So that for me, King is the quintessential example of everything that I could ever want to be in my lifetime."
"When you work for something, you appreciate it more. So what are y'all going to do with all the opportunities you inherited that you didn't have to work for?"