How Author Lorraine Hansberry Inspires LGBTQ+ Writers
Ask students: Who is Lorraine Hansberry, and where did she grow up? Why is “A Raisin in the Sun” so significant in Hansberry’s career?
This Pride Month, look at the story of Lorraine Hansberry, the playwright and civil rights activist who gave a new voice to countless marginalized artists who were women, Black and queer.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Who is Lorraine Hansberry?
- According to journalist Ali Rogen, why is “A Raisin in the Sun” so significant in Hansberry’s career?
- Where did Hansberry grow up?
- How did Lorraine Hansberry’s father fight for better black housing?
- What did Hansberry say to the six teenage winners of a national Creative Writing Contest?
Focus Questions
What is Lorraine Hansberry’s legacy? How did she give a new voice to countless marginalized artists who were women, Black and queer?
Media Literacy: Journalist Ali Rogin provides an overview of Hansberry’s life, including a description of her early life, greatest achievements and struggles. What other information would be helpful in understanding Hansberry’s impact on representation in the arts?
Extension Activity
On a blank piece of paper, write down a time that you felt represented in media. How did that moment make you feel? If you haven’t experienced a moment where you felt represented in media, write down how you think the media can be more inclusive of different identities.
LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Educator Resources
Support and celebrate LGBTQIA+ students and inspire meaningful advocacy with these free lesson plans, activities and educator resources.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of NewsHour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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