Although these counties have vastly different populations, the Black women living within them generally fall into the same ratios of homemaking, employment and running a household. In New York County, you can see that the number of homemakers who are employed and female heads of household is slightly higher than the other counties. This data set was published in 1930 and as part of the U.S. Census Bureau, the data was collected throughout the 20’s and takes a broad snapshot of the Harlem Renaissance. 

The higher proportion of matriarchs is worth looking into since the significance of Black women in the Harlem renaissance. This reflects matriarchs in Hurston’s plays as well as where Hurston was living when she spent time in New York. One play in particular illustrates this connection well, Poker!, is based in New York City. The woman lead in this play has the final say in ending an increasingly heated argument between friends and family happening within her house. “Aunt Dilsey”, ends the exchange of threats among the poker players by shooting the main instigator. Hurston was writing in Black women who had the final say in their own home, but also hosted and guided younger black people in her community. Hosting of extended family also speaks to how women have more familial responsibilities and facilitate familial connections.