Ep 11. Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun

Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun is the eleventh episode of the twenty-first season of the American Masters series. This episode chronicles the life and legacy of one of the most influential African American authors and anthropologists of the 20th century, Zora Neale Hurston.

Hurston was born in 1891 in Alabama, but grew up in Eatonville, Florida, the first incorporated black town in the United States. Her childhood experiences there would later inspire much of her writing. After attending various schools, she studied anthropology at Barnard College and Columbia University. She later conducted research in the Caribbean and the American South, collecting folk tales and preserving the oral histories of African Americans.

Hurston's literary career began with her publication of short stories in the 1920s. She gained recognition for her 1934 novel, "Their Eyes Were Watching God," a groundbreaking work that explored the experiences of a black woman in love and self-discovery. Despite its initial mixed reception, the novel has become a classic of American literature.

Throughout her life, Hurston faced challenges including financial struggles and criticism from some within the African American community for her depictions of black culture. However, she also found support and admiration from fellow writers and intellectuals such as Langston Hughes and Alice Walker.

This episode features interviews with scholars, historians, and Hurston's own family members to paint a picture of her personal and professional journey. It also includes archival footage and photographs, as well as readings from her works performed by actress and singer Phylicia Rashad.

Overall, Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun is a moving tribute to a pioneering writer and thinker who dedicated her life to preserving and celebrating the voices and stories of African Americans.