Alice Walker
The author and narrator of the book. Walker shares her experiences and musings on the lives and artistry of African American women. She explores the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of a selection of notable women, shedding light on their profound significance and the importance of acknowledging their mastery.
Zora Neale Hurston
A renowned African American anthropologist and writer of the Harlem Renaissance era. Walker celebrates Hurston's distinct literary contributions and her innate ability to capture the heart of the experiences of African American women in an intricate, masterful manner. She highlights Hurston's spirit and creativity, pinpointing her significance as a foremost figure in African American literature and history.
Flannery O'Connor
Another important influence on Walker's writing is O'Connor, another female author and a powerful voice in the Southern Gothic movement, which is where Walker feels she might owe a debt of gratitude. Walker feels that O'Connor's version of horror was essential in darkening her own art.
Martin Luther King, Junior
This real life hero was a young pastor who was mystic in his theology and who was highly influenced by the spiritual and political movement that Gandhi led in India during British occupation. He used Gandhi's example as a springboard for starting movements in America that helped bring racial reconciliation at a crucial moment in history. Walker explains that King's life was a demonstration that humans can be legendary, like heroes and martyrs for a better future.
Phillis Wheatley
An enslaved African American woman who became the first published African American poet in the late 18th century. Walker discusses Wheatley's poetry and the immense difficulties she encounters as a black woman navigating a world where power is assigned by way of proximity to whiteness. In light of the monstrous racial subjugation she faced, Wheatley's accomplishments serve as a beacon of inspiration for generations of African American women writers who create in the face of adversity.
Sojourner Truth
A former slave and prominent women's rights advocate who fought for the abolition of slavery and was active in the women's suffrage movement. Sojourner Truth's resilience and determination to simultaneously advance gender equality and racial justice serve as an example of the dauntlessness exhibited by African American women from the advent of American history.
Harriet Tubman
A revered abolitionist and political activist who escaped enslavement and became a critical figure in the Underground Railroad. Walker extrapolates Tubman's heroism and her resolution to help enslaved individuals escape the bonds of slavery. Her courageous pursuit of justice challenges us to confront the injustices of our era and strive for a world where liberation and equality are not mere aspirations but the birthright of all.
Shug Avery (Fictional Character from "The Color Purple")
A character from Alice Walker's novel "The Color Purple." Shug Avery is a blues singer who embodies the strength, resilience, and freedom sought by many African American women. Walker reflects on Shug's character as a symbol of self-acceptance and liberation.
Everyday Women
In addition to highlighting historical and literary figures, Walker also pays tribute to the everyday African American women who lived and expressed their creativity within the constraints of their time. These women, who may not be widely known, are honored for their contributions to art, literature, and culture. Walker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the creativity and livelihood of these often overlooked individuals.
