Biography:
Alice Malsenior Tallulah-Kate Walker (born February 9, 1944) is an American novelist, short story writer, poet, and social activist. In 1982, she became the first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, which she was awarded for her novel The Color Purple. Over the span of her career, Walker has published seventeen novels and short story collections, twelve non-fiction works, and collections of essays and poetry.
Walker was born in Eatonton, Georgia, a rural farming town, to Willie Lee Walker and Minnie Tallulah Grant. Both of her parents were sharecroppers, and her mother also worked as a seamstress to earn extra money. Walker was the youngest of eight children and was enrolled in school when she was just four years old at East Putnam Consolidated. However, at the age of eight, Walker sustained an injury to her right eye after one of her brothers fired a BB gun. Due to the lack of immediate medical attention in their family’s situation, Walker became permanently blind in that eye. This incident marked a turning point in her life as she began to take up reading and writing as a way to navigate her new reality.
Despite facing this challenge, Walker’s determination and intellect shone through. She attended Butler Baker High School, the only high school available to black students in the segregated schools of Eatonton. There, she excelled academically and became the valedictorian of her class. Walker’s exceptional achievements earned her a full scholarship from the state of Georgia, allowing her to enroll in Spelman College in 1961.
During her time at Spelman College, Walker found two influential mentors in her professors Howard Zinn and Staughton Lynd. They played a crucial role in shaping her intellectual and activist pursuits. However, their transfer from the college two years later marked another significant change in Walker’s journey. Undeterred, she was offered another scholarship, this time from Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers, New York. Walker seized the opportunity and embarked on a new chapter in her education.
At Sarah Lawrence College, Walker continued to explore her passion for writing and activism. She delved into literature and honed her craft as a poet. In 1968, she published her first book of poetry titled Once. This initial work marked the beginning of her writing career, which would later flourish as she ventured into novels and other forms of literature.
One of Walker’s most renowned works is her novel The Color Purple. Published in 1982, it garnered widespread acclaim and solidified her reputation as a talented and influential writer. Notably, Walker became the first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for this groundbreaking novel. The Color Purple explores themes of race, gender, identity, and empowerment through the compelling story of protagonist Celie.
In addition to her literary contributions, Walker is a passionate social activist. She actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for equal rights and justice. Walker is known for coining the term womanism, which celebrates the strength and resilience of women of color. Her activism extends beyond women’s rights to include animal advocacy and pacifism, highlighting her commitment to compassion and nonviolence.
However, Walker’s involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has generated controversy. She has expressed support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. This stance, combined with her praise for British conspiracy theorist David Icke and his works, which contain antisemitic conspiracy theories, has led to accusations of antisemitism and criticism of her writings.
Walker’s life and work exemplify her dedication to challenging societal norms and advocating for marginalized communities. Through her writing, activism, and unwavering pursuit of justice, she has left an indelible mark on literature and women’s history.
Awards:
– Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1983) for The Color Purple