I found Zora Neale Hurston back in the 1970's. I was in a Black bookstore browsing titles and I found Their Eyes Were Watching God. It was one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. I wanted to know more about Zora. Who was she? Where was she from? I then read Dust Tracks On A Road. It was fascinating to find out about her life.

In reading her autobiography I discovered that I knew the daughter of her first husband, and she shared stories and pictures with me about Zora from her personal collection. Reading Zora made my heart feel glad. Life for Zora, being Black, was an adventure not a burden.

In her writings I loved each character, they all seem to be people I knew. I am so thankful that Zora recognized the value of preserving culture. Her understanding of the people and her surroundings should be taught in schools so that Black children can learn and understand how things were in times gone by.