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Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960) was an American anthropologist and writer who focused her research and writing on African American folklore and racial struggles in the American South. In the mid-1930s, Hurston was hired by the Works Progress Administration, an arm of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal aimed at creating jobs, to write a travel guide for Florida. In this story, a present-day writer details what she observed and learned as she made her way through Florida with Hurston’s work as her guide. Listen to learn more about Hurston’s experience working for the WPA and how specific areas in Florida have or have not changed over the past 70 years.
Story Length: 5:40
© 2010 National Public Radio, Inc. Used with the permission of NPR. All rights reserved.
04/19/2010
https://app.listenwise.com/students/lessons/560-a-guide-to-florida-from-zora-neale-hurston
How does present-day Eatonville, Florida, compare to the Eatonville Hurston described in Hurston’s 1935 travel guide?
What is the historical significance of Eatonville, Florida?
How does Rebecca Bengal explain the shame Hurston felt about working for the WPA?
Why did some people view Hurston as “a bit of controversy”?
Why did Rebecca Bengal pack a copy of Hurston’s travel guide and drive through Florida?