DWC 100 Women: Alice Walker, The Color Purple

Best known as the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Color Purple, Alice Walker’s legacy goes far beyond her words on a page. She is a woman who has lived her life with courage, embracing her role as a writer, activist, and unwavering advocate for human rights, all while confronting personal and societal challenges with a fierce sense of purpose.

Born in 1944 in Eatonton, Georgia, Walker’s early years were shaped by the racial injustice of the segregated South. Growing up in poverty as the youngest of eight children, she knew early on the weight of inequality. Her parents, sharecroppers with little formal education, instilled in her a passion for learning, even in the face of obstacles. 

At just eight years old, she was blinded in one eye after being accidentally shot with a BB gun by one of her brothers. The physical and emotional scars from this event led her to retreat inward, finding solace in books and writing. 

Her quiet demeanour became a source of power as she began using her voice to articulate not only her own experiences but those of others whose voices had been silenced.

Walker’s activism began during the civil rights movement, where she actively supported the fight for racial equality. As a young college student, she joined protests, participated in voter registration drives, and supported efforts to dismantle segregation in the South.

Her dedication to the cause was intertwined with her literary career, as her novels, poems, and essays became vehicles to explore themes of race, gender, and oppression. 

She has always stood boldly in defence of Black women, centring their stories and struggles in her work, making space for their voices in a world that so often overlooks them.

Her 1982 novel The Color Purple touched millions, bringing to light the complex inner lives of Black women in the rural South. Through the eyes of Celie, Walker painted a picture of survival, pain, and the pursuit of dignity, shedding light on cycles of abuse and the healing power of love and sisterhood. 

The novel was groundbreaking, not only for its subject matter but for the way it highlighted how patriarchy and racism intersect to oppress Black women. 

Walker’s work challenged societal norms, and in doing so, she was often met with criticism. Her exploration of difficult themes—particularly violence, sexuality, and trauma—made her a target for controversy, yet she continued to write with unapologetic honesty, refusing to be silenced.

Beyond her literary contributions, Walker's activism has remained central to her life. She has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the environment, extending her activism to global causes.

Her travels to Palestine, Africa, and other parts of the world have deepened her understanding of global oppression, and she continues to use her platform to raise awareness about injustice wherever it occurs. 

Walker's fierce commitment to speaking out for marginalized communities is a testament to her belief that activism and art are intertwined—that through storytelling, we can inspire change.

But it hasn’t always been easy. Walker has faced deep personal struggles, including estrangement from family members and backlash from various communities. She has been labelled controversial for her outspoken views on issues ranging from politics to religion. 

However, she has never wavered in her belief that to speak the truth is worth any personal cost. Her life is a powerful reminder that standing up for what you believe in often comes with a price, but it is a price worth paying.

At her core, Alice Walker is a woman who believes in the beauty and necessity of change. She has not only written stories that challenge the world but has lived her life as an example of what it means to walk with courage, to take risks, and to fight for what is just. 

Through her activism, her writing, and her spirit, Alice Walker shows us that we all have a voice, and the power to use it for good.