Our Ancestors Were Messy Zora Neale Hurston + Langston Hughes: Best Friends Forever
Mar 26, 2025
In this engaging talk, Alicia Walters, an artist and writer known for her exploration of freedom, dives into the vibrant friendship between Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes during their 1927 road trip. They discuss the importance of Black folklore, navigating Southern identity, and the artistic tensions within the Harlem Renaissance. Alicia highlights how their differing perspectives shaped their work and reflects on the broader themes of heritage and ambition, all while celebrating the rich cultural traditions that define Black identity.
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Two Harlem Renaissance Ideologies
- The Harlem Renaissance had two competing ideologies represented by "old heads" and "New Negroes".
- The old heads emphasized respectability while the New Negroes embraced raw, honest Black experiences in art.
Langston's Tuskegee Visit
- Langston Hughes visited Tuskegee Institute and rural Alabama with students to witness educational outreach.
- He taught swimming and E African American history and wrote poetry about Southern Negroes' strength.
Langston's Private Struggles
- Langston Hughes was private about his personal life, including struggles and relationships.
- His guarded nature complicated his friendship with Zora Neale Hurston.