February 7: Zora Neale Hurston
A Daily Journey Through Black History Month
Preserving Black Stories and Folklore
Story
In 1937, Zora Neale Hurston published her seminal novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, a richly poetic exploration of Black womanhood, love, and independence. Hurston, a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, was also an anthropologist who documented African-American folklore and oral traditions, ensuring these stories were preserved for future generations.
Key Quotes
- “There are years that ask questions and years that answer.”
- “Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.”
Cultural Significance
- Literary Pioneer: Their Eyes Were Watching God is a cornerstone of African American literature, celebrated for its lyrical prose and powerful themes.
- Folklore Preservation: Hurston’s work as an anthropologist captured the voices and traditions of rural Black communities in the South.
Fun Fact
Zora Neale Hurston traveled extensively in the Caribbean and the American South to collect folklore, including voodoo practices, which she documented in her book Mules and Men.
Trivia Challenge
Question: Zora Neale Hurston was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, but she also conducted extensive anthropological research. In which Caribbean country did she study and document African folklore and traditions?
(A) Haiti • (B) Jamaica • (C) Trinidad & Tobago • (D) Cuba
Why Participate?
Write your answer in the comments below to join the 2025 Honorary ROUTES Recognition List! Answer 20 out of 29 trivia questions correctly to earn a shoutout in our end-of-month celebration post.
Multimedia
- Read: Their Eyes Were Watching God (available as an audiobook or eBook).
- Listen: Zora Neale Hurston on Zombies
- Watch: Their Eyes Were Watching God (Full Movie).
February 6’s Trivia Answer: (A) “A Crystal Stair.“
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the power of stories
My answer is (A) Haiti