How+it+Feels+to+Be+Colored+Me+(Block+56)

Zora Neale Hurston 1891-1960 - 1920’s –she was known for Hamboyant theatrical personality & “short stories” - Headed south after graduating in 1928-> Banard College - For 2 decades continues to build reputation, best writer of that time - Last 20 yrs o Financial & health problems o Died in poverty “unmarked grave in Fort Pierce, FL.  //In the following quotes, Hurston shows her pride in being an African American, and the self confidence she retains after being referred to as colored.//
 * Born in all black town
 * Went into Harlem Society 1925
 * Only had $1.50 in pocket w/ no job, friend nothing except hope

"I am not tragically colored . There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. I do not mind at all. I do not belong to the sobbing school of Negrohood who hold that nature somehow has given them a lowdown dirty deal and whose feelings are all hurt about it. Even in the helter-skelter skirmish that is my life, I have seen that the world is to the strong regardless of a little pigmentation more or less. No, I do not weep at the world—I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife."

"I have no separate feeling about being an American citizen and colored . I am merely a fragment of the Great Soul that surges within the boundaries. My country, right or wrong."

"Slavery is sixty years in the past. The operation was successful and the patient is doing well thank you. The terrible struggle that made me an American out of potential slave said " On the line!" The reconstruction said " Geet set!" and the generation before said "Go!" I am off to a flying start and i must not halt in the stretch to look behind and weep."

"I am in the jungle and living in the jungle way. My face is painted red and yellow and my body blue."