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, best known for the 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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Voices of Diversity - Zora Neale Hurston Poster, 17" x 11"
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Voices of Diversity - Zora Neale Hurston, Literature Wall Poster Print, 17x11
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Recession-Proof
Cool lens, I love Zora Neale Hurston's work. One of these days stop by my 1920's lens and check it out. ~jesse Posted May 27, 2008 |
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tdove
Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory! Posted April 16, 2008 |
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