Lorraine Hansberry was a trailblazing playwright and civil rights activist whose life and legacy continue to inspire people around the world. Born in Chicago on this day May 19, 1930, Hansberry broke barriers as the first Black woman to have a play produced on Broadway. Her seminal work, A Raisin in the Sun, explored themes of race, class, and the American Dream, and remains a powerful commentary on the African American experience. But Hansberry’s impact went far beyond the stage. She was a vocal advocate for racial justice and equality, and her activism helped shape the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Despite facing discrimination and persecution, Hansberry never wavered in her commitment to social justice and her belief in the power of art to effect change.
Early life and education of Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry was born on May 19, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. Her father, Carl Hansberry, was a successful real estate broker, and her mother, Nannie Perry, was a schoolteacher. The Hansberrys were one of the few Black families in an all-white neighborhood, and they faced constant harassment and threats from their neighbors. As a child, Hansberry witnessed firsthand the effects of racial discrimination and segregation, and these experiences would later inform her writing and activism.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, Hansberry excelled academically, and she attended the University of Wisconsin. However, she left after two years to go on to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Roosevelt University, and pursue a career in writing. Hansberry moved to New York City and became involved in the vibrant cultural scene of the 1950s. She worked as a writer and editor for various publications, including Paul Robeson’s Freedom newspaper.
Hansberry’s groundbreaking play, A Raisin in the Sun
In 1957, Hansberry’s play A Raisin in the Sun premiered on Broadway. The play tells the story of the Younger family, a working-class Black family living in Chicago’s South Side. The family is struggling to make ends meet, but they have a chance to improve their lives when they receive a $10,000 insurance check following the death of the family patriarch. The play explores the family’s hopes and dreams, as well as the challenges they face due to racism and economic inequality.
A Raisin in the Sun was the first play written by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway, and it was a critical and commercial success. The play received four Tony nominations and was later adapted into a film starring Sidney Poitier. The play’s title is taken from a Langston Hughes poem, “Harlem,” which asks, “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”
The impact of A Raisin in the Sun on American theatre
A Raisin in the Sun was a groundbreaking work that challenged the dominant narratives of American theatre and society. The play explored themes of race, class, and the American Dream, and it offered a powerful commentary on the African American experience. The play’s success paved the way for other Black playwrights and actors to break into mainstream theatre, and it helped to shift the cultural conversation around race and representation.
The play also had a profound impact on American society. It was produced during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, and it spoke directly to the experiences of Black Americans who were fighting for equality and justice. The play’s message of hope and resilience resonated with audiences across the country, and it helped to inspire a generation of activists.
Activism and involvement in the Civil Rights Movement
Hansberry was a vocal advocate for racial justice and equality, and she used her platform as a writer and artist to raise awareness about the issues facing Black Americans. She was involved in a number of civil rights organizations, including the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
Hansberry was also a supporter of Martin Luther King Jr., and she was involved in planning the March on Washington in 1963. She was one of the few women on the planning committee, and she helped to organize the fundraising efforts for the march. Hansberry was unable to attend the march due to illness, but her contributions to the movement were invaluable.
Hansberry’s other works and contributions
In addition to A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry wrote a number of other plays, essays, and articles. Her other plays include The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window and Les Blancs, both of which explore themes of race, identity, and social justice. She also wrote a number of articles and essays on topics ranging from feminism to the Vietnam War.
Hansberry’s writing was characterized by its powerful social commentary and its commitment to justice and equality. She was a master of using language to convey complex emotions and ideas, and her work continues to inspire and challenge readers today.
Honors and awards
Lorraine Hansberry received numerous honors and awards during her lifetime, including the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for A Raisin in the Sun. In 2013, she indicted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame.
Resources for further learning
For those interested in learning more about Lorraine Hansberry’s life and work, there are a number of resources available. The Lorraine Hansberry Literary Trust, founded by Hansberry’s ex-husband, provides information and resources about her life and work. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture has an extensive collection of materials related to Hansberry, including manuscripts, photographs, and correspondence. And for those who want to explore Hansberry’s work more deeply, there are a number of critical and scholarly works available, including Lorraine Hansberry: A Research and Production Sourcebook and Les Blancs: The Collected Last Plays.
Lorraine Hansberry’s enduring relevance
Lorraine Hansberry was a trailblazing playwright and civil rights activist whose life and work continue to inspire and challenge us today. Her groundbreaking play, A Raisin in the Sun, explored themes of race, class, and the American Dream, and it remains a powerful commentary on the African American experience. Hansberry’s activism and advocacy for social justice helped to shape the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, and her commitment to the power of art to effect change continues to inspire future generations of writers and activists. Hansberry’s legacy is an important part of American history and culture, and her work reminds us of the ongoing struggle for freedom, justice, and equality.
“There is always something left to love. And if you ain’t learned that, you ain’t learned nothing.”
-Lorraine Hansberry
Curated by Jennifer
