An artist’s duty as far as I’m concerned is to reflect the times. I think that is true of painters, sculptors, poets, and musicians. As far as I’m concerned, it’s their choice. But I choose to reflect the times and situations in which I find myself. That to me is my duty. And at this crucial time in our lives when everything is so desperate, when every day is a matter of survival, I don’t think you can help but be involved. Young people, black and white, know this; that is why they are so involved in politics. We will shape and mold this country, or it will not be shaped and molded at all anymore. So I don’t think you have a choice; how can you be an artist and not reflect the times? That to me is the definition of an artist. – Nina Simone