Fantasia, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., and Oprah Winfrey Grace ESSENCE Holiday Issue Ahead Of 'The Color Purple' Release

The highly-anticipated revival of ‘The Color Purple’ is set to arrive in just a few months, and to drum up more excitement for the movie musical’s arrival, the stars are gracing the cover of ‘Essence‘ ahead of it’s Christmas day release.

Oprah Winfrey, Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia, Danielle Brooks & H.E.R. take center stage as ‘The Color Purple’ cast graces the cover of our November/December issue, shot by Mickalene Thomas.

The ladies brought their beauty and fashion to the spread and sat down to discuss the film, and the inspiration they drew from the original and previous musical version of the film.

Get into a bit of the excerpts from the shoot and interview as well as some snaps below.

During our ESSENCE cover shoot, Oprah Winfrey led a discussion about the experience they shared of making the movie. She asked, “what would you say to the women who played your characters in the original 1985 cast of The Color Purple?”

Fantasia: “I would say thank you, Ms. Whoopi Goldberg, for not being afraid to play Celie. For being honest. Thank you for paving the way for girls like myself.”

Taraji: “I would say to Margaret Avery: You taught me how to be sexy and how to see myself as a fully realized sexy woman.”

H.E.R.: “Ms. Rae Dawn Chong, thank you for giving me an opportunity to show myself. A lot of people know me and my music, but they don’t really know me. They’re getting to see me: Who I am, having fun and feeling empowered.”

Danielle: “I just want to thank you, Ms. Oprah, for surrendering to God and his plan for your life. You have shown me how to do that. Thank you for laying the blueprint for Sofia—because I know that she’s changed your life, and I can feel that mine is about to shift, too. Thank you for leaving space for me but also being there, to hold my hand and answer that phone call when I needed you. You have been such a light, such a beautiful soul.”

It is awe-inspiring to witness this constellation of stars reflect on their work with such humility and grace. As the women affirm one another, it is clear they have built fortifying -relationships, on set and off.
VIA