Zora Neale Hurston (January 7, 1891 – January 28, 1960) was a distinguished African American author, anthropologist, and folklorist. Born in Notasulga, Alabama, Hurston moved with her family to Eatonville, Florida, where her father became one of the town’s first mayors. She attended Howard University, where she co-founded the student newspaper The Hilltop, before earning a scholarship to Barnard College in New York. There, she graduated in 1928 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology.

Hurston dedicated her career to studying and promoting Black culture, conducting ethnographic research on the African diaspora's religious practices in Haiti and Jamaica. Her literary work, particularly Their Eyes Were Watching God, challenged conventional norms by highlighting the experiences of Black women, with the novel’s protagonist, Janie Crawford, offering a profound portrayal of personal growth and resilience.

Through her pioneering contributions to both literature and anthropology, Hurston left a lasting impact on the study of African American culture and identity. She passed away on January 28, 1960, from heart disease, but her legacy endures as one of the most significant voices in American literature.

Works Cited:

Norwood, Arlisha. "Zora Hurston." National Women's History Museum. 2017. www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/zora-hurston.