Fantasia is stepping into the iconic role of Celie in The Color Purple, originally played by the equally iconic Whoopi Goldberg. The character, for some, has been a reflection of pain and perseverance. Fantasia opens up about how this role not only challenged her but allowed her to see herself different, just as Whoopi did for many in the first screen adaptation. To read more about how Fantasia prepared for the role of a lifetime check out the Nov/Dec issue of ESSENCE available on newsstands 10/31. Disclaimer: We recognize Black creatives are still fighting for their respect and equity; this fight has been displayed through this year’s labor strikes. It is important for us to let our readers know that ESSENCE conducted these interviews and photo shoot for our cover story in May 2023.