Introduction
Lorraine Hansberry was a trailblazer to the highest degree – an African-American woman, a political activist, and a writer. She made a name for herself in the literary world with her groundbreaking play “A Raisin in the Sun.” But her success in theater doesn’t represent the full extent of her story.
In this post, we’re going to explore the life of Lorraine Hansberry – her family background, her work, her net worth, and more. You’ll discover just how much of an impact she left, not only on the performance world but on the world as a whole.
Early life and family background
Lorraine Hansberry was born on May 19th, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. Hansberry’s mother and father were Carl Augustus Hansberry and Nannie Perry Hansberry, respectively.
Nannie Perry Hansberry was an educated and ambitious woman who took part in a Supreme Court case against segregated schools prior to her daughter’s birth. She inspired Lorraine to fight for social justice and civil rights throughout her life.
Starting her writing career
Hansberry’s time spent courageously resisting civil rights violations in Chicago inspired her to pursue a career in writing. She was an accomplished journalist during her high school career, editing her school newspaper and showcasing her natural writing talent.
Hansberry then went on to study at the University of Wisconsin and worked as an associate editor and unit publicist for Paul Robeson’s progressive newspaper, “Freedom,” with her knowledge and skill for writing only growing stronger.
“A Raisin in the Sun”- the groundbreaking play
Hansberry’s work, mainly in writing, has always been an inspiration to many in the African American community. However, it is mainly due to the play “A Raisin in the Sun” that she became renowned in theater.
This groundbreaking play was initially called “The Crystal Stair,” inspired by Langston Hughes’s poem “Montage of a Dream Deferred.” After changes, it was then renamed “A Raisin in the Sun,” taken from another poem from Hughes’s work.
The play focused on the life of the Youngers, a financially disadvantaged African-American nuclear family. It depicted the family’s hopes, dreams, and struggles for a better life, punctuated with poignant mixed emotions of pain, hope and confusion.
The little-known fortune of Lorraine Hansberry
Although Hansberry’s greatest work appears to have been her writing, she was still known for other things she did during her time. Lorraine also worked as a civil right activist, and her efforts have impacted the world we know today.
Regarding her net worth, Lorraine was able to make a fortune through her writing and activism. With her fruitful career, she had a net worth of around $6.5 million at the time of her death in 1965. However, it is noteworthy that a portion of her fortune has been donated to help those in need.
Legacy
Lorraine Hansberry died very young at 34 years old. However, her achievements and contributions have made an indelible mark in history. Different facets of American society all recognize her efforts, from cinema, poetry, music, theater, and human rights activities. Lorraine Hansberry was also the first Black female author to have a play performed on Broadway, which is a significant accomplishment in itself.
FAQs
Q1. What is Lorraine Hansberry’s Net worth?
A1. Lorraine Hansberry had a net worth of around $6.5 million at the time of her death in 1965.
Q2. How did Lorraine Hansberry start her writing career?
A2. Hansberry initially worked as a journalist during her high school career and went on to study at the University of Wisconsin and worked as associate editor and unit publicist for Paul Robeson’s progressive newspaper, “Freedom.”
Q3. Who were Lorraine Hansberry’s Influences?
A3. Lorraine Hansberry was inspired and influenced by different racial and social injustices, especially in Chicago, during the civil rights movement.
Q4. How was Lorraine Hansberry Activist?
A4. Hansberry was an activist who worked with the NAACP and CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) as a fundraiser and organizer.
Q5. What is Hansberry’s famous play?
A5. Hansberry’s famous play is “A Raisin in the Sun,” which depicts the life of a financially disadvantaged African American family – the Youngers – as they struggle for a better life.
Q6. What were the themes of “A Raisin in the Sun”?
A6. “A Raisin in the Sun” depicted themes such as family, hope, dreams, racial discrimination, and poverty.
Q7. How did Lorraine Hansberry leave a mark in history?
A7. Although Hansberry died at a young age, her achievements and contributions have made an indelible mark in history, including being the first Black female author to have a play performed on Broadway.
Conclusion
Lorraine Hansberry may not be stunningly familiar to the current generation, but her contributions and achievements made a remarkable impact on American history. She was a political activist, a writer, and a woman ahead of her time. Through her writing, she tackled issues that are still relevant today and made an impression that we can remember and learn from. Her success in theater and writing, as well as her contributions to human rights movements, will remain significant in history for generations to come. And as Lorraine said in her own words, “Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.”