On this Juneteenth, when America commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States and honors the African-American heritage, it is fitting to recognize the accomplishments of internationally celebrated author, poet, and civil rights activist Alice Walker. The first African-American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for literature, as well as the National Book Award for her 1983 novel, The Color Purple, Walker’s impressive resume includes novels, short stories, children’s books, journals, essays, poetry, and a memoir. Her work speaks to the human spirit and its need for community, dignity, and civil rights, especially those of women. For example, with The Color Purple, she wanted to provide an opportunity for readers “to see women-loving women – lesbian, heterosexual, bi-sexual, ‘two-spirited’ – womanist women in a recognizable context.”A staunch advocate/activist throughout her life, she speaks out fearlessly for the poor and all who have been oppressed politically and economically, and she supports leaders who encourage and foster change. Walker is openly bisexual and has received praise for a life that demonstrates her belief that love is the “foundation of change and transformation.”
“My activism pays the rent on being alive and being here on the planet.” Alice Walker
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