Zora Neale Hurston's early life in the African American community significantly shaped her literary voice and perspective. Growing up in Eatonville, Florida, she was immersed in Black culture, folklore, and the vibrant oral traditions of African Americans. These experiences informed her celebrated work, particularly her emphasis on cultural identity and racial pride. Hurston's experiences with racism and her quest for self-expression are reflected in her novels and anthropological studies, such as "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Her commitment to capturing the authentic voices of her community has solidified her legacy as a pivotal figure in American literature.