Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston was an acclaimed African American writer who was born in January 1891 in Notasulga, Alabama. Her father was a Baptist pastor, and she was the youngest of eight children. She was educated in a one-room schoolhouse before moving on to Morgan Academy, where she was the sole black student. Zora and her family relocated to Eatonville, Florida, when she was three years old. Eatonville will eventually become the location for several of her works. In her honor, Eatonville currently hosts an annual Zora Festival.

Hurston's debut tale, "John Redding Goes to Sea," was published in Stylus, Howard University's campus literary journal. She went on to compose the short tale "Spunk" and the drama Color Struck after that. They both placed second in a writing competition organized by Opportunity, and "Spunk" was published.

Hurston rose to prominence as a literary personality during the Harlem Renaissance. Her work "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is considered an American literary masterpiece. Her work is taught in schools all around the world, and she is regularly mentioned for her impact by authors such as Toni Morrison.

"Mules and Men" and "Moses, Man of the Mountain" are two more important books. Zora Neale Hurston established a reputation as a novelist, short story writer, and folklorist. Many believe her to be one of the most important voices in Southern writing. Hurston's career as a writer spans seven decades. Hurston completed her career as a literary critic, anthropologist, and cultural anthropologist.