Zora Neale Hurston Quotes

A collection of quotes by Zora Neale Hurston.

Zora Neale Hurston, born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama, was an American author, anthropologist, and filmmaker. She is best known for her contributions to the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that spanned the 1920s and celebrated African-American heritage and artistic expression. Born into a poor family, Hurston's passion for writing emerged at a young age, and she went on to study at Howard University, where she became an active member of the literary and social scene.

Hurston's literary career took off in the 1930s with the publication of her most renowned work, "Their Eyes Were Watching God," a novel that explored the complexities of race, gender, and identity in the deep South. Her writing incorporated elements of folklore, vernacular speech, and a strong sense of black cultural heritage, earning her praise for her unique storytelling style.

In addition to her work as an author, Hurston dedicated her life to the field of anthropology, conducting extensive research on African-American folklore and traditions. She traveled extensively throughout the South and the Caribbean, collecting stories and documenting cultural practices. Her anthropological work greatly influenced her writing, infusing it with a profound understanding of the African-American experience.

Despite enjoying success during her lifetime, Hurston's work fell into obscurity after her death on January 28, 1960, in Fort Pierce, Florida. However, in recent decades, her contributions to literature and cultural studies have been rediscovered and celebrated, solidifying her as a notable figure in American letters and an important voice in African-American history.