Black History Month celebrates and recognizes African Americans’ vital contributions throughout history. Zora Neale Hurston is not only part of black history, but also finds her way into present culture.
The author and anthropologist who is most known for her book “Their Eyes Were Watching God” can serve as an inspiration for African Americans.
On January 7, 1891 Hurston was born to parents John and Lucy in Eatonville, Florida. She was the middle child of three and was very close with her mother. At the tender age of nine her mother died, bu not before leaving Hurston with the words ‘jump at de sun.” That is exactly what Hurston did, and she dedicated the rest of her life to achieving what some in those days considered impossible.
At fourteen, Hurston joined a traveling drama troupe in which she was a wardrobe girl and maid. During this time she also pursued and obtained an associates degree from Howard University. She later joined the Harlem Renaissance among some of the most groundbreaking black literary writers. Hurston’s writings were very controversial in the 1920s especially in the eyes of men.
The book “Their Eyes Were Watching God” has become more and more popular over the years. So popular that the movie’s cast included Halle Berry, Terrence Howard and Michael Ealy to name a few. Oprah Winfrey was the executive producer, and was a top seller for Oprah’s book club.
This Black History Month Winston Salem State University recognizes Hurston for all of her accomplishments and struggles. The hope and courage she possessed will never be forgotten. She was a legendary writer and human being and will always be remembered.