Alicia Walters

Alicia Walters, an artist and writer, dives into the tumultuous relationship between Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes. They discuss their creative partnership during the Harlem Renaissance, fraught with ambition, patronage, and personal struggles. Walters highlights how outside pressures led to conflict over authorship of 'Mulebone,' revealing the emotional turmoil of their friendship. The conversation also touches on Hurston's enduring legacy and the value in understanding the messiness of historical relationships in creative collaborations today.

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.