Revering Black History Month: Zora Neale Hurston Festival | February 2020
“Some people could look at a mud puddle and see an ocean with ships.”
― Zora Neale Hurston, Their Eyes Were Watching God
Often times we tend to go about life so engrossed in our own circle that we forget that there is life outside our sphere. A book read in English class has more of a chance of coming to life when one can stand where the characters stood and see what they saw. Seeing history come alive and jump off the pages of the history book leaves a lasting impression that will stay with a scholar forever. It was with that thought in mind that we sent our 10th grade class to the Zora Neale Hurston Festival in Eatonville, Florida on January 31st. Eatonville began in 1887 as the first all-black municipality in Florida. It’s heritage is rich with stories of people that made a mark on what we know as modern day Florida through their grit and their passion to make a difference in the world. Every year the town of Eatonville comes together to celebrate Zora Neale Hurston and her contribution to the town’s heritage. The festival is brimming with handmade wares and southern comfort food to purchase. While browsing through the vendor booths, scholars also saw performances from local schools that included dances, orchestra performances, and step team routines. In addition to the cultural performances and booths, there was an education tent offering numerous STEM activities for all ages. Our scholars participated in things such as virtual reality art, coding mazes, and using batteries to power lights and toothbrush critters. Hearing that dreams can come true is more believable when shown real people whose dreams came true in such a vivid way. A community believed in a better way of life while honoring their cultural heritage and that is just what they did. It was an honor for OSOTA scholars and teachers to be able to participate in Eatonville’s celebration.
-Brenda Greaver, HS English Teacher
