Forward Quote by Chirlane McCray

My life was very compartmentalized. I went to a school that was all white, and then I went home and to my black family.

— Chirlane McCray

Symbols are important. It depends on how they're used.

— Chirlane McCray

Telling my story has not been easy for me. I've had to dredge up memories I would have rather forgotten. The lonely, anxiety-ridden months…

— Chirlane McCray

I had never had a deep sense of belonging anywhere. I always felt I was an outsider.

— Chirlane McCray

When you become first lady, it's like, 'O.K., now what do you do?'

— Chirlane McCray

I was a lifeguard, camp counselor, the president of the YMCA Leaders Corps. I also took piano lessons. I was a dancer.

— Chirlane McCray

In the 1970s, I identified as a lesbian and wrote about it. In 1991, I met the love of my life, married him.

— Chirlane McCray

It's tough to be a mother. At any age. It's tough. It's a lot of work.

— Chirlane McCray

Black women do not have as many positive images in the media as we should.

— Chirlane McCray

If you ask the right questions, you learn a lot about people.

— Chirlane McCray

I like to go to the subway and hear what people are thinking and feeling and what their concerns are. You learn so much…

— Chirlane McCray

I wish I had more time to read.

— Chirlane McCray