“Notes on faith” is theGrio’s inspirational, interdenominational series featuring Black thought leaders across faiths.
You know, sometimes we actually do look like what we’ve been through. As we watch the Grammy-winning vocalist Fantasia Barrino-Taylor — known to fans simply as “Fantasia” (or fondly, “Fanny”), it’s not the “glow up” that a well-selected wardrobe stylist can design, but rather the radiance of a woman who has taken charge of her life, prioritizing self-love over public approval. That radiance could not come at a better time, as she returns to what many believed was a lost opportunity — portraying Celie in the upcoming musical film adaptation of Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple.”
For those of us anticipating the film’s release, we know two things for certain: We deeply appreciate the legacy of “The Color Purple,” and we are thrilled that Fantasia will once again embody this iconic role. Her return to the role of Celie can be seen as an unvanquished comeback, a testament to her ability to overcome adversity. Since her 2009 Broadway debut in the musical theater production, her experiences, both professionally and personally, imbued her portrayal of Celie with a profound authenticity, vulnerability and depth. Accordingly, recent news of Fantasia’s 2024 Golden Globe nomination was not just another professional accolade but a triumphant recognition of her journey.
Like her 2013 song “Lose to Win,” Fantasia’s life story reflects themes of reckoning, healing, and the significance of emerging stronger from life’s inevitable battles. In both the song and the now-iconic role of Celie, she portrays a woman’s perspective, cycling through feelings of being “ugly” to move beyond needing her lover’s validation. Moving beyond external and internal opposition, this parallel between Fantasia’s life and art exemplifies the nuanced insight she brings to Celie’s story, making her…
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