Oprah Brings Zora Neale Hurston to American TV

Posted on January 26, 2005

Oprah Winfrey continues to be a champion for books and authors. The Indy Star describes Oprah Winfrey's quest to bring the work of African American novelist Zora Neale Hurston to American television viewers. A leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance of the early 20th century with books that used dialect to explore black culture, Zora Neale Hurston's most famous novel is Their Eyes Were Watching God. Oscar-winning actress Hallie Berry plays the lead in the television film adaptation of the book, which tells the story of Janie Crawford, whose search for fulfillment takes place in Central Florida. "I love, love, love this book," Winfrey said. "Other than The Color Purple, I've never loved a book as much." "It's important for us to see African-Americans in a light that allows not only the history and legacy of the culture, but to show love," Winfrey said. "That's often not seen in a way that people can relate to." The film will air from 9 to 11:30 p.m. March 6, 2005 on ABC.