Zora Neale Hurston: The Empress of Historical Black Literature
- Era Writer
- Jan 11, 2019
- 3 min read
By Taylre Rene Malloy~Self-Love Literature Contributing Writer
It is said that once every 111 years the cosmos realign and a prolific writer is born. These writers usually don’t lead unconventional lives, nor do they possess any supernatural abilities. Rather they have developed uncanny abilities that every writer can master, fusing their creative essence with their love for writing, revolution, and humanity.
Twentieth-century African-American author Zora Neale Hurston is a perfect example of this prophecy. Best known for her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, it was Zora Neale Hurston’s perseverance and love of her culture that made her a literary legend.
Born as what many would call a free spirit, Hurston descended from powerful ancestry. Her father a prominent preacher, her mother a schoolteacher, many argue that it was this unique fusion of genius that sparked Hurston’s fascination with storytelling. She would later go on to become one of the most influential writers in history and arguably the Empress of black literature. Below are 3 reasons why.
Her love for writing never diminished in the face of controversy. Though growing up in the segregated South had its share of challenges, Hurston never let this detour her destiny. Her love for politics and creative writing materialized in her stories at a young age. Spending portions of her life in Haiti, Florida, and Louisiana, Hurston gained significant inspiration for her two debut novels, “Jonah’s Gourd Vine,” and “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” only to later go on to be published in several academic journals. Authoring articles on black culture, art, and romance that helped contribute to the African diaspora, her resistance to Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 made her a key political target of the US government. Zora argued that fighting for the integration of white schools with black schools suggested that African American schools were inferior by nature, and thus rejected this type of integration altogether. “How much satisfaction can I get from a court order for somebody to associate with me who does not wish me near them?” She wrote in 1955. Though met with resistance, Hurston continued to remain a trailblazer in both the political and literary worlds for her powerful opinions.
Her writing made her immortal. Both ridiculed and revered for her talent, Zora Neale Hurston takes her rightful place as a Goddess of both modern and historical literature. In both her life and her death, Hurston illuminates the hearts and minds of many through her cinematic approach to writing and her authentic portrayal of character. Her unique characters showcase a reflection so authentic that anyone can identify with. Hurston’s literature is well read by many and is proven to stand the test of time.
Her very essence and literary compilation serve as a beacon of light for womankind. Forgoing societal archetypes of what it means to be a black woman and writer, Hurston’s work reminds us as women to be divinely authentic. Her characters portray the lives of women who challenge the norms and go against all remnants of an oppressive society, thus encouraging women to find their voice at all costs. Whether that voice is found through life’s wonderful experiences or spirit-tilling challenges, Hurston remains a beacon of light in both modern and contemporary literature for generations to come.
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