Zora Neale Hurston's cultural background significantly enriched her literary voice, drawing from her experiences as an African American woman in the early 20th century. Growing up in the South and immersed in Black culture, Hurston's work reflects a deep appreciation for African American folklore and the nuances of community life. Her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, captures the complexities of identity and the search for personal freedom. By using dialect and rich cultural references, she asserts the value of Black experiences, significantly impacting the Harlem Renaissance and American literature.