Young, Black, and Determined facts for kids
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| Authors | Patricia McKissack, Fredrick McKissack |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Children's non-fiction, Biography, African-American history, Civil rights, American theater |
| Published | 1998 (Holiday House) |
| Media type | Print (hardback, paperback) |
| Pages | 152 |
| ISBN | 9780823413003 |
| OCLC | 36292844 |
Young, Black, and Determined: A Biography of Lorraine Hansberry is a book from 1998 written by Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack. It tells the life story of Lorraine Hansberry, a famous playwright and activist. This book helps young readers learn about her important contributions to theater and the fight for civil rights.
Contents
Who Was Lorraine Hansberry?
Lorraine Hansberry was an amazing American writer and activist. She is best known for her play, A Raisin in the Sun. This play was the first by a Black woman to be shown on Broadway, which is a very famous theater district in New York City. Hansberry used her writing to explore important ideas about race, family, and dreams in America.
Early Life and Family
Lorraine Vivian Hansberry was born on May 19, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in a time when many Black families faced unfair treatment. Her family was very involved in fighting for equal rights.
Growing Up in Chicago
Lorraine's family moved to a white neighborhood when she was young. This was a brave move because of the unfair housing laws at the time. Their new neighbors were not happy about them moving in. They even faced threats and violence.
A Family of Activists
Lorraine's father, Carl Hansberry, was a successful real estate broker. He fought against unfair housing laws all the way to the Supreme Court. Her uncle, William Leo Hansberry, was a professor who studied African history. Growing up in such a family taught Lorraine a lot about standing up for what is right.
Finding Her Voice
Lorraine Hansberry was a talented student who loved to write. She attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison. However, she soon realized her true passion was in New York City, where she could pursue her dreams of writing.
College and Early Career
After two years, Lorraine left college and moved to New York City in 1950. She worked different jobs, including writing for a Black newspaper called Freedom. This newspaper focused on civil rights and global issues. Working there helped her develop her writing skills and her understanding of social justice.
Becoming a Playwright
While in New York, Lorraine started writing plays. She wanted to tell stories that showed the real lives and struggles of Black people. She believed that theater could be a powerful way to share important messages and make people think.
A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry's most famous work is the play A Raisin in the Sun. It opened on Broadway in 1959 and was a huge success. The play changed how Black families were shown in American theater.
The Story Behind the Play
The play is about the Younger family, a Black family living in Chicago. They receive a life insurance check after the father's death. Each family member has different ideas about how to use the money. They dream of a better life, including buying a house in a white neighborhood.
Making History on Broadway
A Raisin in the Sun was groundbreaking. It was the first play by a Black woman to be performed on Broadway. It won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play. This made Lorraine Hansberry the youngest American to win that award. The play showed audiences the challenges and hopes of Black families in a powerful way.
Her Work as an Activist
Beyond her plays, Lorraine Hansberry was a strong voice for civil rights. She believed in equality for all people. She used her fame to support important causes.
Fighting for Equality
Hansberry was actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement. She spoke at rallies and wrote articles supporting the fight for racial justice. She worked with many important leaders of the movement.
Speaking Out for Change
Lorraine Hansberry was not afraid to speak her mind. She talked about the unfairness that Black people faced. She also spoke about women's rights and other social issues. Her words inspired many people to join the fight for a more fair world.
Her Lasting Legacy
Lorraine Hansberry passed away too soon, at the age of 34, in 1965. However, her work continues to inspire people today. Her plays are still performed and studied around the world.
Her writing helped change how Black people were seen in American culture. She showed that Black families had complex lives, dreams, and struggles, just like any other family. Lorraine Hansberry's determination and talent left a lasting mark on theater and civil rights history.
