- Born
- Died
- Birth nameLorraine Vivian Hansberry
- Lorraine Hansberry was born on May 19, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She was a writer, known for A Raisin in the Sun (1961), American Playhouse (1980) and Camera Three (1955). She was married to Robert Nemiroff. She died on January 12, 1965 in New York City, New York, USA.
- SpouseRobert Nemiroff(June 19, 1953 - March 10, 1964) (divorced)
- Childrennone
- ParentsCarl A. Hansberry Sr.Nannie
- RelativesWilliam Leo Hanberry(Aunt or Uncle)Paul(Sibling)Shauneille Perry(Cousin)Mamie Hansberry(Sibling)
- Her play, "A Raisin in the Sun", was the first successful Broadway play ever written by a black female playwright.
- Her father Carl A. Hansberry, Sr. (30 Apr 1895 - 7 Mar 1946), won the 1940 US Supreme Court case "Hansberry vs. Lee" which involved the enforcement of racially restrictive housing covenants. The family's experience with segregation was an inspiration for the play, A Raisin in the Sun.
- Her uncle William Leo Hansberry (25 Feb 1894 - 3 Nov 1965) founded the African Studies program at Howard University. There is a lecture hall on campus named in his honor.
- In 1951, she and a delegation of women presented the governor of Mississippi with a petition with almost one million signatures in support of Willie McGee who was awaiting execution for an alleged rape. Their attempt was unsuccessful and McGee got executed.
- Was nominated for Broadway's 1960 Tony Award as author of Best Play nominee "A Raisin in the Sun."
- The thing that makes you exceptional, if you are at all, is inevitably that which must also make you lonely.
- Never be afraid to sit a while and think.
- On time: Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.
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