Zora Neale Hurston died of hypertensive heart disease at the age of 57. She lived in government housing and worked as a waitress at a diner the year of her death. When recognized she lied and said she was doing research.

Zora lied about her age in order to get into school. Zora tossed out what she was taught about ethnography and became a willing participant. Zora a funded black intellectual with a camera and a gun.

Zora archiving the last kidnapped Africans enslaved on Alabama soil. Zora the playwright. Zora misunderstood. Zora so ahead of her time she got published 87 years post death.

Zora from Alabama now New York Hall of Fame Writer. Zora belongings left in the government housing were set ablaze. Zora the world tried to erase you and God said nah. Zora the world tried to bury you and Alice went looking and found your unmarked grave.

Zora we are so serious about remembering you chaotic and complete. I hope you’re raising hell in heaven.