Zora Neale Hurston: A Life of Courage and Creativity

Zora Neale Hurston once fibbed about her age to receive her high school diploma. She later earned an Associate’s Degree from Howard University (1920) and a Bachelor’s in Anthropology from Barnard College (1928).

In fact, she co-founded Howard University’s newspaper, The Hilltop, and was the first Black graduate from Barnard College.

Hurston did what she had to do to make it in life in her unique way. She made no excuses for her circumstances, such as her mother’s early death or her challenging relationship with her father.

Instead, she pivoted and used her wit, God-given talents, and education to guide her life and work. In a March 1943 letter to Countee Cullen, she expressed, “I have the nerve to walk my own way, however hard, in my search for reality, rather than climb upon the rattling wagon of wishful illusions.”

Zora Neale Hurston was born on January 7, 1891 in Notasulga, Alabama. As a child, her family relocated to Eatonville, Florida, the oldest Black-incorporated municipality in the United States, established by African American freedmen.

Hurston was a Southerner through and through. She described her earlier self as a people watcher, intrigued by the gossip and stories within her community.

As a teenager, Zora’s father removed her from the home, which forced her into the workforce. But, she always longed to continue her education.

Women were subjected to objectification, hyper-sexualization, seen as domestic workers, and could not vote. Yet, Hurston courageously discovered her passions.

Through her letters, literature, ethnographic studies, and overall work, Hurston gave the world a glimpse of her soul’s point of view.

In total, Hurston wrote over 25 short stories, books, and essays, along with countless articles and plays. Her focal point centered around Black life and culture, particularly in the South and Caribbean.

Genuine friendships were also important to Zora Neale Hurston. She wrote to Countee Cullen, “I am always proud to have a word of praise from you because your friendship means a great deal to me. It means so much to me because I have never known you to make an insincere move, neither for personal gain, nor for malice growing out of jealousy of anyone else."