Information technology'south been 33 years since The Color Imperial hit theaters and forged a new path for Black women in Hollywood. Based on Alice Walker'due south Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel of the same proper name, the film introduced u.s. to a young Whoopi Goldberg, whose portrayal of Celie Johnson—a Black adult female facing various forms of oppression in the South—earned her a Golden Globe.

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Not only did late flick critic Roger Ebert proper name it the best moving picture of 1985, but it too set up the stage for Oprah's major motion motion-picture show debut every bit Sofia. Oh, and the 2005 Broadway product is at present beingness turned into a forthcoming film musical.

All that's to say that in 2018, the moving picture continues to resonate with audiences. And without a doubt, no other motion picture has impacted my life and that of the Black women around me as much equally this ane. The movie puts our pain under a microscope and also highlights our strength and resilience—even under the worst of circumstances.

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The Color Majestic (1985) Official Trailer - Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg Movie Hard disk

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My female parent, for example, volition never forget the oversupply's reaction in theaters when Celie finally stands up to Mister Johnson (Adolph Caesar). My peachy aunt, who's seen the film at least fifty times, still cries when Shug Avery (Margaret Avery) finally wins her father'due south approval.

I was born a few years afterwards the film was released. However, I can credit much of my self discovery to the many times I've watched information technology. 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.


"Daughter, you oughta bash Mister's head open and remember about sky later."

Oprah Winfrey In 'The Color Purple'

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In a film where women are treated like inferiors, Sofia breaks the mold by refusing to exist her husband's punching purse. This scene-stealing monologue, with its rage filled entrance past the O of O, is an act of defiance—particularly one committed in early on 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 activity to exist fearless.


"I'thousand poor, Black, I may fifty-fifty be ugly, but dear God, I'k hither! I'chiliad here!"

Whoopi Goldberg In 'The Color Purple'

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What a victorious statement this was by Celie, who, up until this point, had spent nearly of her life feeling unworthy and invisible. It reminded me that even with our flaws and imperfections, we all the same deserve to testify up in our own lives.


"Until you lot do right by me, everything you remember about is going to crumble."

Whoopi Goldberg In 'The Color Purple'

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With these words, Celie breaks a bike of abuse from Mister and sticks upwards for herself. I interpreted this line as a sign that I don't have to carry the weight of people who have acquired my pain; life will take intendance of everything.


"Don't allow them run over yous...yous got to fight."

Desreta Jackson;Akosua Busia In 'The Color Purple'

Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images

In this scene, Nettie (Akosua Busia) offers Celie unsolicited communication 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 permit my phonation be heard when I feel like something isn't correct.


"But I don't know how to fight, all I know how to do is stay alive."

Whoopi Goldberg In 'The Color Purple'

Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images

Later on Celie receives her sister'due south advice to exist potent, Celie responds with unexpected honesty about herself and her circumstances. This moment taught me most compassion. Sometimes, the greatest thing is making it to the side by side twenty-four hour period. Information technology's all about doing your best in the moment—and having that be enough.


"You meet Daddy? Sinners have soul besides."

Beyonce and Margaret Avery

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These are the words Shug Avery muttered after battling for—and winning—her male parent'due south approval. Information technology'south an act of forgiveness not just towards him, but for herself. I learned that we all have a hazard at redemption, no matter how many mistakes take been made.


"Folks don't similar nobody being likewise proud, or too free."

Akosua Busia;Desreta Jackson In 'The Color Purple'

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Celie herself comes to this decision after she overhears Mister and Old Mister discussing Shug Avery. The elder of the 2 is clearly unhappy about this complimentary-spirited woman doing as she pleases. As a Black adult female, the value of my existence is always questioned in gild. Which is why I always aim to be proud and free—no matter what.


"Sofia thinks besides much of herself; needs to be taken down a peg or two."

Akosua Busia;Desreta Jackson In 'The Color Purple'

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When I starting time watched The Colour Purple every bit a child, information technology 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.


"Information technology's gon' rain on your head!"

Desreta Jackson;Danny Glover;Akosua Busia In 'The Color Purple'

Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images

Only 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 ever be aware and cautious about what's going on around me.


"Miss Celie, why you always covering upwards your smile?"

Desreta Jackson;Akosua Busia In 'The Color Purple'

Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images

Growing up, I was very insecure about my grin. And when Shug Avery posed this question to Miss Celie, it too fabricated me plough to myself. When Shug encourages Celie to grinning, I learned that in that location'south no need to embrace up my own.


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