SIGNED COPY OF ZORA NEALE HURSTON BIOGRAPHY DONATED
TO AC LIBRARY
When Zora Neale Hurston died on January 28, 1960, she
left behind a legacy as one of America’s great literary figures. Best
known for her 1937 novel, “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” Hurston was part
of the movement that spawned the Harlem Renaissance beginning in 1925.
Now, a very special part of her resides in a glass case in the Angelina
College library.
This past Monday, the 48th anniversary of Hurston’s passing, AC Liberal
Arts instructor Valencia Edner donated a copy of “Speak, So You Can Speak
Again: The Biography of Zora Neale Hurston” signed by the author – and
Hurston’s niece – Lucy Hurston.
To mark the event, AC Theater students Courtney Gaither and Cameron Jones
offered a tandem reading of Zora Neale Hurston’s “The Gilded Six-Bits.”
Several AC students and faculty members were also in attendance.
The book by the renowned author’s niece contains samples of Hurston’s
writings found in an attic trunk; many of these have never seen the ink of
publication before now. There are poems and snippets of letters to
friends, with some of these very personal artifacts written in the great
lady’s own hand. There are also rare photos, with many of the
aforementioned items presented as unique “pop-ups.”
Best of all, the book offers valuable insight into one of the 20th
Century’s most important writers.
Edner obtained the book while attending an October conference in Detroit.
While there, she learned that Lucy Hurston was holding a book signing the
next day. Edner, who covers “Their Eyes Were Watching God” in her American
Literature class, met briefly with the author, who then signed a copy of
the book specifically for Angelina College. Later, Edner established
contact with other Hurston family members, some of whom are members in the
same organization to which Edner belongs.
Ironically, Edner says she had attempted several times to purchase copies
of the much-sought-after book, but she couldn’t locate one. At the
conference, and after meeting with Lucy Hurston, Edner was able to bring
home two copies: The signed version that will hold a place of honor in a
glass case inside the Angelina College Library; and another copy just for
student use.
For Edner, the connection marks the culmination of a relationship formed
two decades ago.
“I’ve been walking with Zora Neale Hurston for about 20 years now, and I
consider her a friend although we never met,” Edner said. “To have part of
her here on this campus is very special to me.”
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SPECIAL GIFT – Angelina College Liberal Arts
instructor Valencia Edner (front right) donates a signed copy of
“Speak, So You Can Speak Again: The Biography of Zora Neale
Hurston”, written by Hurston’s niece Lucy, to AC Library Director
Janet Avery-Sublett. (front left). In back are AC Theater students
Courtney Gaither (left) and Cameron Jones, who provided a reading
from one of Hurston’s works. |
