It’s been 33 years since The Color Purple hit theaters and forged a new path for Black women in Hollywood. Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel of the same name, the film introduced us to a young Whoopi Goldberg, whose portrayal of Celie Johnson—a Black woman facing various forms of oppression in the South—earned her a Golden Globe.
Not only did late film critic Roger Ebert name it the best film of 1985, but it also set the stage for Oprah’s major motion picture debut as Sofia. Oh, and the 2005 Broadway production is now being turned into a forthcoming movie musical.
All that’s to say that in 2018, the film continues to resonate with audiences. And without a doubt, no other film has impacted my life and that of the Black women around me as much as this one. The movie puts our pain under a microscope and also highlights our strength and resilience—even under the worst of circ*mstances.
My mother, for example, will never forget the crowd’s reaction in theaters when Celie finally stands up to Mister Johnson (Adolph Caesar). My great aunt, who’s seen the film at least fifty times, still cries when Shug Avery (Margaret Avery) finally wins her father’s approval.
I was born a few years after the film was released. However, I can credit much of my self discovery to the many times I’ve watched it. My favorite quotes from the movie taught me valuable lessons about Black womanhood, faith, and self love. And these 10 are the ones I’ll never forget.
“Girl, you oughta bash Mister’s head open and think about heaven later.”
In a film where women are treated like inferiors, Sofia breaks the mold by refusing to be her husband's punching bag. This scene-stealing monologue, with its rage filled entrance by the O of O, is an act of defiance—especially one committed in early 20th century Georgia. It was powerful and necessary to see a Black woman go against the grain on screen. And to me, it was a call to action to be fearless.
"I'm poor, Black, I may even be ugly, but dear God, I’m here! I’m here!"
What a victorious statement this was by Celie, who, up until this point, had spent most of her life feeling unworthy and invisible. It reminded me that even with our flaws and imperfections, we still deserve to show up in our own lives.
"Until you do right by me, everything you think about is going to crumble."
With these words, Celie breaks a cycle of abuse from Mister and sticks up for herself. I interpreted this line as a sign that I don’t have to carry the weight of people who have caused my pain; life will take care of everything.
"Don't let them run over you...you got to fight."
In this scene, Nettie (Akosua Busia) offers Celie unsolicited advice when she comes to live with her and Mister, telling her she needs to stand up for herself. Here, her words inspired me to push back and let my voice be heard when I feel like something isn't right.
“But I don’t know how to fight, all I know how to do is stay alive.”
After Celie receives her sister’s advice to be strong, Celie responds with unexpected honesty about herself and her circ*mstances. This moment taught me about compassion. Sometimes, the greatest thing is making it to the next day. It’s all about doing your best in the moment—and having that be enough.
“You see Daddy? Sinners have soul too.”
These are the words Shug Avery muttered after battling for—and winning—her father’s approval. It’s an act of forgiveness not just towards him, but for herself. I learned that we all have a chance at redemption, no matter how many mistakes have been made.
“Folks don’t like nobody being too proud, or too free.”
Celie herself comes to this conclusion after she overhears Mister and Old Mister discussing Shug Avery. The elder of the two is clearly unhappy about this free-spirited woman doing as she pleases. As a Black woman, the value of my existence is always questioned in society. Which is why I always aim to be proud and free—no matter what.
“Sofia thinks too much of herself; needs to be taken down a peg or two.”
When I first watched The Color Purple as a child, it upset me to see what people didn’t react well to confident and opinionated women. To me, Sofia was a role model who helped me never become pigeonholed into silence.
“It’s gon’ rain on your head!”
Just plain funny, this offered comedic relief during a tough time. Specifically, when Sofia and Harpo are adjusting to married life, just before things take a turn for the worst. Despite the laughter, it sent the message to always be aware and cautious about what’s going on around me.
“Miss Celie, why you always covering up your smile?”
Growing up, I was very insecure about my smile. And when Shug Avery posed this question to Miss Celie, it also made me turn to myself. When Shug encourages Celie to smile, I learned that there’s no need to cover up my own.
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Melissa Kimble
I am a Chicago born, Memphis bred, Brooklyn based content marketer and writer. Through my work, I build relationships at the intersection of creativity, community, and culture, specifically Black culture and women of color as a digital strategist and founder of #blkcreatives. Sister Souljah wrote my writer's Bible.
