Background and education
What subjects did Hansberry study in university?
She studied writing and stage art design.
How old was Lorraine when this happened?
She was only 8 years old.
What was the name of the play that made Hansberry famous?
A Raisin in the Sun.
How did Hansberry’s success inspire African Americans?
It showed them they could follow their dreams and also reach the big stage.
Where was Lorraine Hansberry born?
She was born in Chicago.
What was uncommon about Lorraine Hansberry’s family moving into that neighborhood?
It was unusual because most white neighborhoods had racial covenants that stopped Black families from buying property.
In what year did Lorraine Hansberry’s play appear on Broadway?
In 1959.
Why was Hansberry’s achievement on Broadway important?
Because she became the first African American woman to have a play performed there.
When did Lorraine Hansberry graduate from high school?
She graduated in 1948.
How far did the Hansberry housing case go in the legal system?
It went all the way to the Supreme Court.
Who directed A Raisin in the Sun on Broadway?
Lloyd Richards.
How did A Raisin in the Sun represent African American life?
It showed a realistic Black family and their daily struggles.
What university did Lorraine Hansberry attend after high school?
She went to the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
What did the neighbors do after the Hansberry family moved in?
They tried to force them out through legal action.
What major social issues did the play highlight?
Racism, housing discrimination, poverty, and the fight for equality.
During what time in history was the play broadcasted?
During the peak of the fight for equality (the Civil Rights Movement).
Why did Hansberry move to New York City?
She moved there to further pursue her passion for playwriting.
How did this experience affect Lorraine Hansberry?
It impacted her deeply and shaped her awareness of racial injustice.
Why was Lloyd Richards’ role as director historic?
Because he became the first Black director on Broadway.
What was historic about A Raisin in the Sun on Broadway?
It was the first Broadway play written by a Black woman and the first Broadway play directed by a Black man.