The Healing Powers of ‘The Color Purple’

By Alexa Spencer | Word In Black Credit: Art by Alexa Imani Spencer (WIB) – Growing up, “The Color Purple” was more than just a movie playing on the television in my family’s living room — it was a window into the future challenges of racism and sexism I’d face as a Black woman.  Watching the 1985 classic for the first time, I was too young to fully grasp the depth of its message. But now, along with my personal experiences, I report on depression, domestic violence, and maternal mortality — issues that impact Black women. So when Sophia, portrayed by Oprah Winfrey, famously declares, “All my life I had to fight,” I understand all too well the relentless battle against systemic injustices that the film — and the book — represents.& RELATED: ‘The Color Purple’ at the Top in 2024 Black Reel Awards “The Color Purple” sums up what it means to be a Black woman in America: To constantly have your guard up against systemic racism, gender violence, and internalized hate. To win some. To lose some. And if you’re fortunate, you live to fight another day. “‘The Color Purple’ is sacred text. It is work that really...