“I love myself when I am laughing. . . and then again when I am looking mean and impressive.”
— Zora Neale Hurston, I Love Myself When I Am Laughing.
Most famous for her ethnographic research and a pioneer for writing “folk fiction”, Zora Neale Hurston was one of the most prominent writers, anthropologists, and filmmakers during the Harlem Renaissance. She is the most prolific female African-American author from 1920 to 1950. She was often praised for her writing, but condemned for her independence, however that never stopped her. Her most celebrated novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God” was released in the midst of the Harlem Renaissance and really popularized her during the time. Hurston portrayed racial struggles in her works to spread awareness and published over 50 short stories, plays, and essays. She wasn’t very remembered at the time of her passing in 1960, but there was a resurgence of interest in her work in the late 20th century. Although long overdue, her works are certainly appreciated now and are more acknowledged in the literary world.
