Rosa Parks was a symbol of fighting for civil rights. She personified simple eloquence.

We would certainty argue that any information you have about (nominees') track record (and) their position on fundamental issues is important to not only African-American people but all Americans.

There are a few steps that can and should be taken by all financial institutions to ensure that the people of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the other areas affected by Katrina are not further victimized and do not suffer further losses.

Social Security is important to the economic survival of African Americans and other people of color. We have traditionally been at the low end of the earning scale over our lifetime.

We want a full-scale hate-crime investigation.

When someone in law enforcement who is willing to speak the truth about racial profiling gets demoted for it, that's absolutely chilling. To manage any problem, we must first measure it.

We will fight this nomination tooth and nail. We have taken the position of: By all means necessary.

This is a guy that has challenged the most powerful people in our country and in our world, for that matter. He carries an awful lot of water.

We don't know who the next nominee is, but, when we do, we're going to equally and thoroughly review their record to see where they stand on issues that are most important to us just as we have Roberts, ... We'll be looking for someone who is very clearly wedded to the concept of a constitution that protects all of the American people.