Lorraine Vivian Hansberry
- Born:
- May 19, 1930, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Died:
- January 12, 1965, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Playwright, Writer, Activist
Early Life and Education
- Born into a middle-class family in Chicago; her father, Carl Hansberry, was a real estate broker, and her mother, Nannie Perry Hansberry, was a schoolteacher.
- Experienced racial discrimination early in life, which significantly shaped her worldview and artistic focus. This fueled the desire for social justice that's evident in works that followed after Lorraine Hansberry was, indeed, 'young black and determined a biography of lorraine hansberry' in the making.
- Attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison but did not graduate.
- Studied painting at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Career and Major Achievements
- Moved to New York City and worked various jobs, including as a writer for the Pan-Africanist newspaper Freedom.
- Gained international recognition for her play A Raisin in the Sun.
- Became the first African-American woman to have a play performed on Broadway.
- At 29, she was the youngest American and only the fifth woman to win the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play for A Raisin in the Sun.
- Advocated for civil rights and social justice through her writing and activism.
Notable Works
- A Raisin in the Sun (1959): A groundbreaking play that explores the dreams and struggles of a Black family in Chicago.
- The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window (1964): A play that explores themes of identity, political disillusionment, and the complexities of human relationships.
- To Be Young, Gifted and Black (1969, posthumously published): An autobiographical play adapted from her writings and letters.
- Les Blancs (1970, posthumously produced): A play examining colonialism and racial identity in Africa.
Legacy and Impact
Lorraine Hansberry's work continues to resonate with audiences today, addressing themes of race, class, and gender equality. Her plays have influenced generations of artists and activists, and her legacy as a powerful voice for social justice remains significant.
Awards and Honors
| Award | Year | Work |
|---|---|---|
| New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play | 1959 | A Raisin in the Sun |
| Guggenheim Fellowship | 1964 | Playwriting |