Celebrating Zora Neale Hurston’s legacy through community and reflection

From literature to legacy, here’s a look at how Barnard is keeping Zora Neale Hurston’s contributions to American literary texts and Black history alive through interactive discussion and visual exhibition. 

Photography by Merielen Espino/The Barnard Bulletin

By Nura Ali

March 1, 2025

Zora Neale Hurston, Barnard College’s first ever Black student, remains a revolutionary figure in both Barnard and Black history. As an author, anthropologist, and scholar, she has left a lasting impact on the College and beyond, from her contributions to the Harlem Renaissance to her pioneering work documenting Black culture and oral traditions. Barnard continues to celebrate her legacy through the Zora Neale Hurston Centennial, a three-year celebration recognizing her impact. One of the centennial’s many events is “Black, Brilliant and Free: An Ode to Zora in 3 Parts,” which includes an installation on the 2nd floor of Millstein with visual displays of her books, photographs, and memorabilia, as well as three special events including a book chat and workshops on collage and zine making.

The discussion of Hurston’s memoir, “Dust Tracks on a Road,” took place on February 11. The event started small, with only five people, including myself, at the beginning. But as the session progressed, more people trickled in. OlaRonke Akinmowo, creator and director of The Free Black Women's Library, opened the session with an introduction to Hurston’s life and work before leading into an in-depth conversation about the memoir. The attendees included both those who had read “Dust Tracks on a Road” and those who hadn’t, creating a dynamic space for discussion.

Kai Benfon, an editor at Hazendal Publication, expressed a deep interest in learning more about Black literature before the event began, especially in the context of Black History Month. “I’m looking forward to discussion about Black literature,” she said, reflecting the broader theme of the event: an opportunity to engage with Hurston’s work, regardless of prior knowledge. 

Because of the intimate setting, the discussion covered a wide range of topics. Attendees praised Hurston’s approach to race and storytelling while others offered critiques. The small but diverse group included undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, local New Yorkers, and even alumni. 

Glenda Smiley (BC ‘09) shared that she first encountered Hurston’s work in high school and college but came to the event seeking a deeper understanding. “I want to learn more about her lived experience,” said Smiley. As the discussion centered on Hurston’s memoir, this sentiment resonated with many participants. Smiley also mentioned that she was looking for inspiration in her own craft of writing and research, something echoed by others in the room, especially by Akinmowo. 

Speaking with Akinmowo in our interview after the event, I asked her how she hoped attendees would engage with the installation and what she wanted them to take away from it. As expected, much of her response centered on bringing attention to Hurston and Black literature. “I hope they feel encouraged and inspired to read about Zora's work, to learn more about the Harlem Renaissance, to learn about the ways Zora used the fields of anthropology,” she explained. However, she also emphasized a more personal takeaway, adding, “I hope people are inspired to learn about that and into their own history and be encouraged to write about their own lives.”

The event invited participants to reflect on their discussions and develop a self-directed project tied to the three-part installation, which participants ended with a zine-making session. As attendees put pen to paper, it became clear that Hurston’s influence extends beyond literature — she continues to inspire at Barnard and beyond. The process of learning and reflection is not just about Hurston; it is also about the attendees and their own stories.