Year: 1937

Who: Zora Neale Hurston

Where: Notasulga, Alabama

In 1937, Zora Neale Hurston published Their Eyes Were Watching God, a novel that would become a cornerstone of African American literature. Set in the early 20th-century South, the narrative follows Janie Crawford's journey toward self-discovery and independence, exploring themes of love, identity, and empowerment. Crafted with rich dialect and vivid imagery, Hurston's storytelling showcased her deep connection to African American culture and folklore.

Beyond her literary achievements, Hurston was a pioneering anthropologist who dedicated her life to studying and preserving African American folklore. Her extensive research led to publications like Mules and Men (1935), which offered a comprehensive collection of Southern Black folklore, and Tell My Horse (1938), documenting her fieldwork in Jamaica and Haiti. These works not only highlighted her scholarly rigor but also her commitment to understanding and celebrating the cultural heritage of the African diaspora.

Today, Hurston's legacy is honored through various cultural events, such as the annual Zora! Festival in Eatonville, Florida, where she spent her formative years. Her contributions continue to inspire writers, scholars, and activists, reflecting a profound impact on literature and cultural studies. Hurston's life and work serve as a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving cultural narratives.

Sources:

Websites:

• Goodreads. (n.d.). Zora Neale Hurston. Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15151.Zora_Neale_Hurston

• National Women's History Museum. (2017). Zora Neale Hurston. National Women's History Museum. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/zora-hurston