The influential American author known for their contributions to the Harlem Renaissance is Zora Neale Hurston. Hurston's work, particularly her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," emphasized African American culture and the significance of personal voice in literature. She captured the complexities of black identity, using rich, authentic dialects and folklore. Hurston's exploration of themes such as community, love, and freedom resonated profoundly during the Renaissance and challenged prevailing literary conventions, establishing her as a key figure in both African American literature and the broader literary canon.