Zora Neale Hurston

A Literary Genius Before Her Own Time

As an African American folklorist and writer, Zora's work was well before it's time. Much of her work was created during the Harlem Renaissance when so many strong black artists were emerging and thriving. She, however, was largely overlooked because she did not fit into the stereotypical "black writer" mold, yet she was too black to attract a white audience. Thankfully, after decades of being shuffled into the back closet of literary history, Alice Walker popularized her works in the early 1970s. Since being finally discovered and appreciated by audiences of many ethnicities, Hurston is now regarded among the classic American writers of the 20th century. I guess good things do come to those who wait, and those with a story to tell should open their mouths because even if no one listens today, it doesn't mean that no one ever will.

Zora Neale Hurston at a Glance

Zora Neale Hurston (January 7, 1891 - January 28, 1960) was an American folklorist and author during the time of the Harlem Renaissance. Of Hurston's four novels and more than 50 published short stories, plays, and essays, she is best known for her 1937 novel Their Eyes Were Watching God. In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante listed Zora Neale Hurston on his list of 100 Greatest African Americans.Asante, Molefi Kete (2002). 100 Greatest African Americans: A Biographical Encyclopedia. Amherst, New York. Prometheus Books. ISBN 1-57392-963-8.

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Zora's Legacy

She grew up in Eatonville, Florida, the first black community in the US to be incorporated and attempt to be self-governed. (Her father, Rev. John Hurston, was the towns' third mayor and the second pastor of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
She wrote the book she is most renowned for, Their Eyes Were Watching God, in seven weeks in Haiti in 1937. Talk about being a productive writer!
In her efforts to showcase Hurston's genius, Walker aided in launching the first anual Zora! Festival in Eatonton. The festival is still celebrated every year and helps to draw about 50,000 locals and tourists to the community and support the local economy.

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Who is Zora Neale Hurston

A Literary Genius Before Her Own Time

Zora Neale Hurston at a Glance

Zora's Legacy

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Zora Neale Hurston: A LITERARY BIOGRAPHY by Robert E. Hemenway

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Voices of Diversity - Zora Neale Hurston Poster, 17&quot; x 11&quot;

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Zora Neale Hurston : Folklore, Memoirs, and Other Writings : Mules and Men, Tell My Horse, Dust Tracks on a Road, Selected Articles (The Library of America, 75) by Zora Neale Hurston

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Voices of Diversity - Zora Neale Hurston, Literature Wall Poster Print, 17x11

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American Stories (Vol. 3 - 1909 to 1937 : Video 1 - A Child on Strike : The Testimony of Camella Teoli, Mill Girl / Video 2 - Jump At the Sun : Zora Neale Hurston and the Harlem Renaissance / Video 3 - Broke But Not Broken : Ann Marie Low Remembers the Du

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Voices of Diversity - Zora Neale Hurston Poster, 17" x 11"