Celebrating The Colour Purple and Its Legacy
The Colour Purple (1982) is a novel by Alice Walker that won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award. It has faced censorship due to its explicit content, appearing on the American Library Association''s list of most frequently challenged books from 2000–2010. Adaptations include films in 1985 and 2023, a 2005 musical, and a 2008 BBC radio serial.
The story follows Celie, a poor African-American girl in early 1900s Georgia, who writes letters to God about her abusive life. Celie endures rape by her father, losing her children to him, and marries Mister, who also abuses her. Celie befriends Sofia, Harpo’s wife, and Shug Avery, a singer who becomes her lover. Celie discovers hidden letters from her sister Nettie, revealing their true parentage and Nettie''s life in Africa with Celie''s children. Celie eventually leaves Mister, inherits her family''s land, and reunites with Nettie and her children after 30 years.
Action for the Group:
Let’s honour the resilience, sisterhood and transformation portrayed in Alice Walker's The Colour Purple. This week, take part in our Purple Resilience Challenge.
Here’s what you can do:
Reflect: Share a moment in your life where you overcame a struggle and found your inner strength, just like Celie. What or who helped you grow?
Empower: Write a letter of encouragement to a "sister" in your life, celebrating her courage and uniqueness. Share your letter in the group or send it directly to inspire her.
Discuss: What did The Colour Purple teach you about love, resilience, or self-discovery? Post your thoughts in the group and spark a meaningful conversation.
Create: Choose a quote or theme from the book that resonates with you and express it creatively—through writing, art, or even a short video.
Let’s celebrate the enduring message of this powerful novel and remind ourselves of the strength we hold as individuals and a community.
Don’t forget to tag your post with #PurpleResilience so we can all join the conversation!
Like, comment, and share this challenge to inspire others to embrace the lessons of The Colour Purple!