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Remembering Zora Neale Hurston — the 'Queen of Harlem Renaissance's Life as a Writer and Folklorist
Zora Neale Hurston was one of the most famous writers and folklorists of the 20th century. Here is a look at her exemplary career as a literary legend.
Ridiculed in her life yet revered after death, Zora Neale Hurston unarguably left a lasting legacy in the literacy world.
Defying the stereotypes associated with women and Black writers at large, Hurston turned heads on May 1, 1925 when she won four awards at a literary awards dinner.
![Portrait of American author Zora Neale Hurston. | Photo: WikiMedia Commons Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/f24d69f8d82351f21f5d56b201296054.jpg)
Portrait of American author Zora Neale Hurston. | Photo: WikiMedia Commons Images
The awards included a second-place prize for her short story, "Spunk" and an award in a drama for her play, "Color Struck" as well as two other notable prizes.
In the following years, Hurston gained popularity and soon became the most successful and significant Black female writer in the first half of the 20th century.
![Portrait of Zora Neale Hurston in Eatonville, Florida, circa 1940. | Photo: WikiMedia Commons Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/41825d4ec9e5ed77f7cddf1cbda968d4.jpg)
Portrait of Zora Neale Hurston in Eatonville, Florida, circa 1940. | Photo: WikiMedia Commons Images
With a career running through 30 years, Hurston published four novels, two folklore books, an autobiography, several short stories, and many other literary works.
Hurston's mastery at literature was so commendable that she was referred to as the queen of the Harlem Renaissance and she sure lived up to the title.
Ironically, despite her fame, Hurston struggled financially.
![Zora Neale Hurston in April 1938 | Photo: WikiMedia Commons Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/723e9350f20bd568ed1af201592daab2.jpg)
Zora Neale Hurston in April 1938 | Photo: WikiMedia Commons Images
In addition to being a literary legend, Hurston is often remembered as a contrarian who believed in the power of freedom and did nothing other than to be herself.
It was this love for freedom that Hurston channeled into her craft and ultimately used to expand the concept of Black literature and womanhood.
One way Hurston exercised her freedom as a writer was through her novel, "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Janie, who was the main character of the book, left her financially secure husband for a younger man.
![Photo of author Zora Neale Hurston. | Photo: YouTube/University of Florida](https://cdn.amomama.com/40ecb961e9c32ab9430aa0b0331500f5.png)
Photo of author Zora Neale Hurston. | Photo: YouTube/University of Florida
At a time where desires and dreams were suppressed for societal approval, Janie's was no doubt an unconventional character.
Several decades after her death, Hurston's writing and portrayal of her characters still resonate with many including writer Alice Walker and singer Solange Knowles.
![Zora Neale Hurston beating the hountar or mama drum, circa 1937 | Photo: WikiMedia Commons Images](https://cdn.amomama.com/9c5c0bea045aeca302f86269ea73f4de.jpg)
Zora Neale Hurston beating the hountar or mama drum, circa 1937 | Photo: WikiMedia Commons Images
While speaking about Hurston's influence on her, Knowles reportedly once admitted that the late writer empowered her as a Black feminist.
Although Hurston left behind a collection of books, her first book, a manuscript titled "Barracoon" remained unpublished throughout her lifetime.
![Zora Neale Hurston pictured at a bookshop in Washington D.C. | Photo: YouTube/University of Florida](https://cdn.amomama.com/d26c1cf0c2257cf85204e1cee97b2f8b.png)
Zora Neale Hurston pictured at a bookshop in Washington D.C. | Photo: YouTube/University of Florida
At the time Hurston wrote the manuscript, publishers were unimpressed by the language of the novel and asked her to revise it. But she never budged.
However, in 2018, nearly a century after "Barracoon" was written, the book was published and made widely available to the public.
![Zora Neale Hurston pictured in Florida. | Photo: YouTube/ ARTE Découverte](https://cdn.amomama.com/526b86c3cecd7014e01a60c62b4ae825.png)
Zora Neale Hurston pictured in Florida. | Photo: YouTube/ ARTE Découverte
Born on January 7, 1891, Hurston was raised in Eatonville, Florida. Although she was born in Alabama, the author always considered Eatonville to be her home.
Ironically, despite her fame, Hurston struggled financially, and on January 28, 1960, she died poor and alone. Now, several decades after her death, the folklorist is still a prominent figure in the literary world and her legacy lives on.