10 fun and interesting Zora Neale Hurston facts

1. Celebrated Author Zora Hurston: Eatonville, FL

Zora Neale Hurston was a celebrated author and anthropologist who considered Eatonville, Florida her hometown. Eatonville was the first all-black town in the United States, and Hurston was deeply connected to the town and its people. She was born in Notasulga, Alabama, but Eatonville was the place she called home and where she drew much of her inspiration for her writing.

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2. From Maid to Author

After being expelled from boarding school, Zora Neale Hurston had to take on a job as a maid to the lead singer of the famous Gilbert & Sullivan operetta group. She worked hard to make ends meet, cleaning and doing other chores for the singer, who was a prominent figure in the music industry at the time. Despite her difficult circumstances, Hurston was determined to make something of her life and eventually went on to become a celebrated author, folklorist, and anthropologist.

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3. Claimed 1901 Birth Year

In 1917, Zora Neale Hurston began claiming 1901 as her birth year in order to qualify for free high-school education. This was a shrewd move on her part, as it allowed her to pursue her education without the financial burden that would have otherwise been placed on her family. She was able to take advantage of the free education offered in her hometown of Eatonville, Florida, and went on to become one of the most influential African-American writers of the 20th century.

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4. First African-American Student at Barnard College

In 1925, Zora Neale Hurston became the first African-American student to attend Barnard College, Columbia University, after receiving a scholarship to do so. As the only black student at the college, she faced a unique set of challenges, but she persevered and went on to become one of the most influential African-American writers of the 20th century.

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5. Influential African-American Author

Zora Neale Hurston was an influential African-American author and anthropologist who was inspired to write her piece "Tell My Horse" after taking a trip to Jamaica and Haiti. During her travels, she was exposed to the unique cultures and customs of the two countries, which she then used to inform her writing. The book, which was published in 1938, is a collection of folklore, voodoo rituals, and other stories she encountered during her journey. It is considered to be one of her most important works and has been praised for its vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling.

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6. Zora Neale Hurston exonerated of molestation

In 1948, Zora Neale Hurston was accused of molesting a ten year old boy, but the case was quickly dismissed due to the fact that she was out of the country at the time of the alleged assault. This exonerated her of any wrongdoing and allowed her to continue her work as a celebrated author and anthropologist.

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7. Highly Intelligent Librarian Fired

Zora Neale Hurston was a highly intelligent woman who worked as a librarian at the Pan American World Airways. Unfortunately, her intelligence was too much for the job and she was eventually fired. Despite this setback, Hurston went on to become a celebrated author, folklorist, and anthropologist, and is now remembered as one of the most influential African-American writers of the 20th century.

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8. Unmarked Grave for Author-Anthropologist

Zora Neale Hurston, a renowned author and anthropologist, passed away in 1960 and was laid to rest in the Garden of Heavenly Rest in Florida. Her grave was unmarked for many years until it was discovered and identified in 1973. It was then marked with a headstone that reads "Zora Neale Hurston, A Genius of the South". Her legacy lives on through her works, which continue to be celebrated and studied today.

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9. Zora Neale Hurston's Festival Celebrates Her Life and Legacy

Every April, the town of Eatonville, Florida celebrates the life and legacy of Zora Neale Hurston with a vibrant festival known as "Zora Fest". This three-day event is a celebration of Hurston's life and work, featuring live music, art, food, and other activities. It's a great opportunity to learn more about Hurston's life and her impact on the world, as well as to enjoy the culture and community of Eatonville. Zora Fest is a great way to honor the memory of this amazing woman and to celebrate her life and legacy.

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10. America's Favorite Black Conservative

Zora Neale Hurston has been widely recognized as "America's favorite black conservative," but her political views have also been described as libertarian. She was a strong advocate for individual freedom and limited government, believing that the government should not interfere with the lives of its citizens. Hurston was a fierce critic of racism and segregation, and she argued that the government should not be allowed to impose its will on the people. Her views on civil rights and economic freedom have made her a beloved figure among both conservatives and libertarians.