This is what it looks like when you put sisterhood, talent, and joy in one room! 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. 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 ...