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.
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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Zora in Blogsphere
- The Life and work of Zora Neale Hurston – Women's Library – 28th ...
- Zora Neale Hurston became the most successful and most significant black woman writer of the first half of the 20th century as one of the most significant female writers of the Harlem Renaissance, whose writings on black heritage from a ...
- Looking for and Finding Zora Neale Hurston | Humanities on Demand
- Cedric Gael Bryant, Lee Family Professor of English at Colby College, is the first in our series of podcasts from our October, 2009 event: Looking for Zora: The Many Lives of Zora Neale Hurston. This one day event explored the life and ...
- B-More BAP Life :: Fabulous :: Fierce :: Friendly ::: BAP Quote ...
- BAP Quote: Zora Neale Hurston ..."He had a fine mind and that intrigued me. When a man keeps beating me to the draw mentally, he begins to get glamorous." - Zora Neale Hurston, Legendary Harlem Renaissance Writer ...
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Shout Out For Zora Neale Hurston!
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- paperfacets paperfacets Sep 24, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
- I have only read Their Eyes Were Watching God, but she became my hero after that. It was so touching and real. The characters were well developed. No empty flat scenes in this story. I did feel a sadness after reading it, but I was impressed with a modern view of life. Like you said "before her time."
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- Eloquent47 Eloquent47 Aug 23, 2008 @ 4:36 pm
- "Their Eyes ..." is one of my favourites along with Langston Hughes. Great lens.
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- Catalysthere Catalysthere Aug 18, 2008 @ 4:55 am
- It just goes to show that anything is possible, if you but try!!
Well done, you made featured lens this week on http://www.squidoo.com/groups/Socialpostingangel
watch out for your lensboost!!
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- Recession-Proof Recession-Proof May 27, 2008 @ 11:14 am
- Cool lens, I love Zora Neale Hurston's work. One of these days stop by my 1920's lens and check it out. ~jesse
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- tdove tdove Apr 16, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
- Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!
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by cherangelry
I am a lover of learning. With a degree in psychology, I am currently a grad student in the Occupational Therapy Program at East Carolina University (... (more)
