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Introducing our charitable cause…
We are thrilled to announce that the Zora Neale Hurston Florida Education Foundation 501(c)3 organization will be the charitable cause for this year’s Zora Neale Hurston Summit. Proceeds raised from the summit will be donated to support the restoration of Zora Neale Hurston’s final home in Fort Pierce, Florida. This vital project aims to preserve her legacy by opening the home to the public, transforming it into a place of education, inspiration, and reflection on her incredible contributions to literature and culture.
Source: Rae Chesny 2024Zora Neale Hurston’s connection to Fort Pierce runs deep. As one of the most celebrated figures of the Harlem Renaissance and the most prolific Black Woman writer of her time, she found solace and creativity in the small Florida town during the final years of her life. Living in the home of Dr. Clem C. Benton, a compassionate medical professional and community leader, Zora continued her work despite the challenges she faced. Dr. Benton graciously let Zora live in the rental property rent free when she could not afford to pay. Her time in Fort Pierce was marked by the love given to her by the local community who made sure she had a home, warm meals, and found family until her passing in 1960.
Restoring Zora’s final home is not just about preserving a nationally registered historic site—it’s about safeguarding a cornerstone of American cultural history. This is the only home that Zora lived in that is a historic landmark. By contributing to the Zora Neale Hurston Summit, you are helping to ensure that this important piece of her legacy and story continues to inspire generations to come.
See inside Zora Neale Hurston’s Last Home
Source: Rae Chesny 2024Source: Rae Chesny 2024Source: Rae Chesny 2024Source: Rae Chesny 2024The Dust Tracks Heritage Trail located in Fort Pierce, FL further enriches visitors’ exploration of Zora’s legacy in Fort Pierce. This self-guided tour highlights significant locations tied to her life in the area, offering a deeper understanding of the environment that shaped her later years. From her home, to the library named in her honor, to her grave, and the nursing home she passed away in, the trail invites visitors to walk in her footsteps and experience her story in an intimate, tangible way.
Zora’s final home is a stop on the heritage trail. Learn more about the Dust Tracks Heritage Trail by clicking here.
About the Dust Tracks Heritage Trail:
Fort Pierce, FL
FAQ of Donation
*The below information can be found on Fractures Atlas’s website.
How do I make my donation?
You can make your donation directly on the Fractured Atlas website, CLICK HERE
Make a check payable to Fractured Atlas with MEMO: 2025 Zora Neale Hurston Summit
Please send donation checks to:
Fractured Atlas
P.O. Box 55
Hartsdale, NY 10530-0055
Will I be charged right away for my donation?
Yes. Fractured Atlas will immediately charge the card entered at the time your donation is made.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Zora Neale Hurston Summit is a fiscally sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)(3) charity. Contributions made payable to Fractured Atlas for the purposes of Zora Neale Hurston Summit are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. If you receive a reward in exchange for your donation, the fair market value of that reward will reduce the tax-deductible portion of your donation. The value of the reward you receive will be included in your donation receipt.
What personal information will be shared publicly or with the fundraiser?
Only your name will be shared publicly if you donate to this campaign. If you’d like to remain anonymous, you indicate that when completing your payment info. Fundraisers will have access to your name and contact information unless you choose to remain anonymous to the fundraiser as well. For more information about how Fractured Atlas uses information, please review our Privacy Policy.
What is the processing fee? Do I have to pay it?
Fractured Atlas assesses a 8% administrative fee on all donations. This fee covers all administrative costs—including website maintenance, credit card processing, staff time, and bank fees. It’s completely up to you whether or not you’d like to cover the fee. If you choose not to, it will be subtracted from Zora Neale Hurston Summit's revenue.
Who can I contact with questions?
You can reach out to Rae Chesny who serves as the Director of Programs for the Zora Neale Hurston Trust. Rae can be reached at rae@zoranealehurston.com.