Jump at the Sun: Zora Neale Hurston and Her Eatonville Roots

FAIN: BH-50231-07

Florida Humanities Council (St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5005)
Ann S. Schoenacher (Project Director: March 2007 to June 2009)

Three one-week workshops for 120 school teachers to explore Zora Neale Hurston's life and work in the context of her hometown, Eatonville, Florida

The three weeklong seminars outlined in this proposal provide K-12 teachers with an interdisciplinary exploration of the life and work of Zora Neale Hurston and the community that formed her identity and fueled her imagination - Eatonville, Florida. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, Eatonville is the oldest incorporated black town in the country. During each seminar week, participants will examine Hurston?s accomplishments within the context of the historical and cultural development of Eatonville and grapple with compelling questions about how this unique black enclave fueled her appreciation of folk culture, inspired her literary works, created her racial and gender identity, and formed her sometimes controversial views on race. Organized by the Florida Humanities Council in cooperation with the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community and Rollins College, the seminars are scheduled to occur over three consecutive weeks from June 15 to July 5, 2008.