Dear Hurston Family,

I am thrilled to welcome you to your family hub for all things Zora Summit! The 2025 Zora Neale Hurston Summit is an upscale family reunion where the general public will have the chance to become part of Zora’s extended family for a weekend. For the first time in history, we will celebrate Zora’s life, legacy, and work alongside the Hurston Family themselves.

This exciting pitch has already captured the hearts of attendees, scholars, creatives, and supporters alike. The competitive edge of this event is YOU – the Hurston Family. To help our team prepare for your attendance, please fill out the RSVP form at the bottom of this page. Your presence will bring Zora’s legacy to life in ways no one else can. I can personally attest to this as it has been a profound honor collecting your interviews, songs, and cherished stories from Zora’s beloved family. These contributions will shape the heart of the summit, making it an unforgettable experience. Thank you for your support and generosity.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. rae@zoranealehurston.com or (313)585-1370

-Rae Chesny, Director of Programs

Zora Neale Hurston Trust

Information for Summit

Hurston Family Summit Hub

In order to give our Hurston’s a central space to relax, refresh, and replenish, we have designated Sulzberger Parlor as the family’s private hub. There will be breakfast, lunch, and refreshments throughout the day as well as two concierges to address any needs including way finding to events. We also hope this allows you time to meet each other in an intimate setting.

Note: Breakfast with the Hurston’s will take place in the parlor on Friday. The trustees have also extended an invitation to lunch for Dr. Ibram X. Kendi (Saturday), Carla Kaplan (tbd), and Dr. Deborah G. Plant (tbd) who have worked tirelessly to expand Zora’s legacy in partnership with the Trust.

Preliminary Summit Schedule

The full schedule is available here: Preliminary Summit Schedule (subject to change).

Summit Weekend Itinerary

  • Breakfast with the The Hurston Family (VIP): Friday, January 31, 2025 9:00am-9:55am-Sulzberger Parlor, Barnard Hall. Learn more, here.

  • Summit Dates: Friday, January 31, 2025 10am-5:30pm and Saturday, February 1, 2025 10-5pm-Barnard College

  • Children’s Festival: Saturday, February 1, 2025 9:00am-James Room, Barnard College. Learn more, here.

  • VIP Reception: Friday, January 31, 2025 5:30pm-7:30pm-James Hall, Barnard Hall. Learn more, here.

Tentative Run of Show for Zora Art Exhibit Sponsored by HarperCollins – February 1, 2025

Location: Nine Orchard Art Gallery and Hotel

  • 6:00 – Art Preview – Toast to the Artists with Art Director, Stephen Brayda

  • 6:30-7:30 –Event starts. Rae Chesny from the Zora Estate Trust will be the moderator and historian scholar guiding and participating in the questions that will revolve around how Blair Underwood and Dr. Kendi celebrate Zora’s legacy through their efforts and their artistic interpretations of her work. Q&A from Audience.

  • 7:30-8:30pm Cocktail Hour

  • ZNHT Attendee Limit: 40

Invitation to Participate

If you haven’t yet shared your familial connection to Zora but would like to, please feel free to schedule time on my calendar here: https://calendly.com/raechesny.

Hurston Family Photos

Some of you have shared that you are looking through your photo albums for Hurston Family photos. If you find any of Zora, her siblings, nieces, nephews, or other Hurston descendants that you would like to share, please upload them to the Hurston Family Photo Google Drive. Be sure to add names of those in the photo in the file name or as a comment.

Hotel Information

If you still need a hotel, please let us know by filling out the survey. We have secured a room block at the ArtHouse Hotel for your convenience. Book your accommodations here: https://www.zoranealehurstonsummit.com/hotel-block

Hotel Block available until December 17, 2024.

Hurston Family RSVPs

Your RSVP is crucial to help us prepare for the celebration. Please complete the form below to let us know if you’ll be attending so we can ensure a complete count of Hurston family members.

We can’t wait to celebrate Zora’s life, legacy, and artistry with you. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to me Rae Chesny at rae@zoranealehurston.com or (313)585-1370.