EATONVILLE, Fla. – For the start of Black History Month, News 6 is taking you to the historic town of Eatonville. It is the first self-governing, all-Black municipality in the country.
Its rich history includes the annual Zora Festival named after famed literary author Zora Neale Hurston.
Julian Johnson grew up in historic Eatonville. He said not only for Black History month, but everyday, he honors the late author and filmmaker and the Zora! Fest that he attends every year.
“We’re celebrating yearlong here. Eatonville is Black history,” Johnson said. It’s a way to cherish and celebrate our heritage, our culture.
Hurston grew up in Eatonville and used the town as the backdrop for many of her stories. Over the years, her work portrayed racial struggles and issues in the Black community.
“Her legacy does live on now and we continue to celebrate, and we thank her for her contributions to writing,” Johnson said.
News 6 was at the 35th Zora! Festival last weekend and it’s always a big celebration for a good cause. There was music, shopping, food and vendors.
“I like the people and seeing the people congregate and come together,” festivalgoer Karee Adams said.
The annual Zora! Fest recognizes the history of Eatonville and the cultural contributions people of African ancestry have made to the country and to the world.
It also honors the life and legacy of well-known author Zora Neale Hurston.
“It’s important because she was a Black author, and I just believe we should support our own,” Adams said.
It’s also right on time for vendors, who look forward each year to a big boost.
Organizers projected about $2.1 million of economic impact from the weekend festival.
Julian Johnson said it’s important for even the younger generation to continue the legacy of the Zora! Fest and Zora Neale Hurston.
“She is an international known figure, and Eatonville is a national treasure,” Johnson said.
Read more about the Zora Fest and how the town of Eatonville is honoring her life and legacy here: https://zorafestival.org/schedule/
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