Zora Hurston

Early Life and Background

Zora Neale Hurston was born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama, to John Hurston, a Baptist preacher, and Lucy Ann Hurston. The family relocated to Eatonville, Florida, one of the first all-black towns to be incorporated in the United States, when Zora was very young. This move profoundly influenced her, as she later described Eatonville as a utopia for African Americans, which she would immortalize in her writings. Hurston’s mother passed away when she was 13, and she spent a challenging youth largely without stable adult guidance, bouncing between various family members. Despite these hardships, she was always intellectually curious and ambitious, which drove her to seek education. She attended Morgan Academy, later moving on to Howard University, where she co-founded the student newspaper, The Hilltop. Her passion for writing was evident as she published her first works in the university's paper.

Career Beginnings and Development

In 1925, Hurston moved to New York City as the Harlem Renaissance was gaining momentum—a cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem. She became a central figure in this burgeoning cultural movement, making significant contributions alongside other legends of the time. Hurston attended Barnard College, where she studied anthropology under the tutelage of Franz Boas, a significant experience that infused her literary work with a rich cultural perspective. Her early short stories, such as "Spunk" (1925), and her involvement in Harlem Renaissance circles quickly drew attention.

Major Works and Accomplishments

Perhaps Hurston’s most acclaimed literary work is "Their Eyes Were Watching God" (1937), a novel that explores the life of Janie Crawford, a woman in search of her identity and a voice of her own in the early 20th-century South. The book was not immediately recognized critically upon publication but has since become a staple in American literature courses. Her works often depicted the culture of rural African American communities, offering vibrant tales that reflected her anthropological background. Additionally, Hurston conducted ethnographic research, collecting African American folklore and cultural stories, some of which were published in "Mules and Men" (1935).

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Hurston received several accolades for her work, though broader recognition and appreciation mostly came posthumously. During her lifetime, she was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship which allowed her to study black folklore in the Caribbean and the American South. Her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" gained critical acclaim long after her death, symbolizing a beacon of the African American feminist literary tradition.

Personal Life

Hurston was known for her independent spirit, having been married twice, with neither marriage lasting long. Her personal life was characterized by her independence and her resolute focus on her work. Despite facing financial and social adversities, she remained committed to writing and researching throughout her life.

Legacy and Impact

Zora Neale Hurston left a lasting impact on American literature, especially through her vivid portrayal of African American life in Southern communities. Her work has been influential in the canon of black female writers and has inspired generations of new voices. She is celebrated for her unconventional perspectives and for bringing to light the multiplicity of black life through her anthropological and literary endeavors.

Later Life and Death

In her later years, Hurston faced financial hardships and worked in various jobs to support herself, including employment as a maid. Despite this, she continued to write and publish. On January 28, 1960, she died of hypertensive heart disease in Fort Pierce, Florida. Initially buried in an unmarked grave, her legacy was resurrected in the 1970s through the efforts of Alice Walker and others, leading to her recognition as one of the foremost African American writers of her time.