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Copyright 2005 HCC speaker shares bond with gradsBYLINE: LINDA CONNER LAMBECK This spring's graduates of Housatonic Community College may see a bit of themselves in commencement speaker Lucy Hurston. The Manchester Community College sociology professor and author didn't start college herself until after she had children -- at the age of 31. When she returned to school, the Bloomfield resident started slowly, taking classes at Manchester before going on to get her bachelor's and master's degrees. Then, when she was working on her doctorate, she called a timeout -- for about three years -- to write about her aunt: author and artist Zora Neale Hurston. Lucy Hurston's choices in life may seem familiar to many Housatonic students, said Robin Zella, director of the Housatonic Museum of Art. "I really liked [Lucy] because while some people sort of proceed through life a, b, c, d,' other people go a, w, f, u,' " Zella said. "I felt that she sort of mirrored some of the choices and things that happen to our students." Zella, who made the call to secure Hurston as a speaker, said some students at Housatonic have personal responsibilities that take precedence over their ambitions. Housatonic's 38th commencement will take place at 7 p.m. May 26 at the Arena at Harbor Yard. In addition to hearing Hurston speak, some graduates will get a copy of her book, "So You Can Speak Again: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston," as a graduation gift. Zora Neale Hurston was a black artist and author of plays, novels and short stories. Her most celebrated work was the novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." She was born in 1891 and grew up in Florida, in a town founded and governed by blacks. A patron paid her way through college, and she became an anthropologist before she returned home to chronicle the stories of people she grew up with in the South. She died in 1960. Now, in turn, Lucy Hurston has compiled an oral history about her aunt for her book. "She will be able to introduce our graduating class to one of the most important women writers in American literature," said Zella. Those who'd like a sneak peak at Hurston are invited to a Diversity Lecture Series event Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Housatonic Atrium. Hurston will speak about the influence of western European culture on the Harlem Renaissance. In addition to the talk, the Housatonic Museum of Art will show the film "Zora Is My Name" through Tuesday. For more information, call 332-5000. Linda Conner Lambeck, who covers regional education issues, can be reached at 330-6218. Anson C. Smith |
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