Antecedent One

There are many points in Hansberry's life you could pick out as significant. For example, she became the first Black woman to "integrate her residence hall... at the University of Wisconsin at Madison" (Morrison 251). It seems her life is dripping with "firsts." One lesser known aspect of her life was her "creative and intimate relationships with women" (252). While Hansberry never publicly opened up about her sexuality, she has become a queer icon who many young people have identified with - sharing the feeling of not feeling comfortable sharing their sexual identity for fear of persecution.

Hansberry believes that the "realistic playwright" not only writes stories about "what is, but what can and should be." (Freedomways 186) A Raisin in the Sun is known for its ambiguous yet optimistic ending. Its incredible and ground-breaking success sent ripples through American drama. Hansberry came to be known as "a mature artist" by a very young age (209).

A Raisin in the Sun's debut on Broadway marked the breaking of countless stereotypes and barriers. Theatre artists across the globe dream of getting their productions across a Broadway stage. For some, it can seem like a pipe dream. Especially if no one like you has ever made the leap. Suddenly a black female playwright had.

Playwrights like Suzan-Lori Parks have Hansberry's work to thank for their place on Broadway. Once Hansberry carried the torch and proved to the public (and the producers) that works by black female playwrights were not only marketable but sought after, it became easier (not by any means easy, but easi-er) for women like her to get their stories and voices in front of adoring audiences.