I Love Myself When I Am Laughing … And Then Again When I Am Looking Mean and Impressive: A Zora Neale Hurston Reader

As we begin this journey into the life and work of a remarkable woman, it is essential to understand the roots from which she sprang. Born and raised in Eatonville, Florida, a town unlike any other, she was enveloped in a world where African Americans governed themselves, creating a rare space of cultural autonomy and pride. This was not a mere backdrop but a living, breathing community that shaped her identity and creative spirit. Eatonville’s status as the first incorporated all-Black town in America provided a fertile ground for a young mind to blossom, free from the immediate shadows of racial oppression that loomed elsewhere. Surrounded by orange groves, chinaberry trees, and the laughter of children playing traditional games, she absorbed the rhythms and stories of her people. The house she called home was modest but filled with life — quilts lovingly made, preserves stored in an old safe, and a family that, despite its complexities, was bound by love and fierce determination.

Yet, childhood was not without its trials. The death of her mother when she was just nine introduced a profound loss that rippled through her life. Suddenly, the protective circle of family was broken, and she found herself navigating a path of early independence, moving between relatives, and working as a domestic to survive. This experience forged in her a resilience and self-reliance that would become hallmarks of her character and later, her work. Her father, a man of great physical strength and strong will, was both a source of pride and tension. The interplay between his commanding presence and her mother’s nurturing spirit created a dynamic home environment, teaching her early lessons about strength, love, and survival.

In this crucible of culture and hardship, she developed a spirit that was both joyful and defiant. She learned to laugh freely but also to hold her own with a fierce, impressive gaze. This duality — the ability to embrace life’s joys while confronting its challenges head-on — would echo throughout her writings and her life. As we reflect on these beginnings, we see how the fabric of her early years was woven with threads of community, family, loss, and unyielding spirit. These elements set the stage for the remarkable journey ahead — a journey of discovery, creativity, and cultural preservation.

Now, as we move from the roots of her childhood, let us delve into the world of folklore and the anthropological adventures that defined her unique approach to storytelling and cultural documentation.