Zora Neale Hurston collected and wrote about African American

Zora Neale Hurston was a pioneering African American author and anthropologist, best known for her contributions to literature and her cultural ethnography of African American communities in the early 20th century. One of her most significant works is the novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," published in 1937, which tells the story of Janie Crawford and her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment.

Hurston's writing is notable for its rich use of vernacular language, capturing the authentic speech patterns and cultural nuances of African American life, particularly in the Southern United States. Apart from fiction, she also conducted extensive fieldwork in folklore, collecting stories, songs, and oral histories from African American communities. Her anthropological endeavors contributed immensely to our understanding of African American culture, traditions, and experiences.

Throughout her career, Hurston faced challenges, including racism and sexism, which occasionally overshadowed her work during her lifetime. However, her legacy has grown significantly in recent decades, and she is now celebrated as a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance and a vital voice in American literature. Her works continue to inspire discussions about race, identity, and literary authenticity.