Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" is a groundbreaking... Show more
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Cecilya Guilbault
7/24/2025
English
Pre-Reading A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
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Jul 24, 2025
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All About A Raisin in the Sun & Brown v Board of Education: Fun Facts for Kids!
Civil Rights Milestones and Their Impact on Society
The historical context of "A Raisin in the Sun" extends beyond the immediate setting of Chicago's South Side, encompassing broader civil rights developments that shaped American society. One of the most significant events was the passage of the Voting Rights Act on August 6, 1965, signed by President Lyndon Johnson. This landmark legislation was a crucial step in enforcing the 15th Amendment and combating discriminatory voting practices that had long disenfranchised African-Americans, particularly in Southern states.
Highlight: The Voting Rights Act outlawed discriminatory voting practices such as literacy tests, which had been used to prevent African-Americans from exercising their right to vote.
The impact of the Brown v. Board of Education decision on the civil rights movement was profound and far-reaching. While it primarily addressed segregation in public schools, its implications extended to challenging racial segregation in all aspects of American life. The ruling provided legal grounds for civil rights activists to push for desegregation in other public spaces and institutions.
Definition: Desegregation refers to the process of ending the separation of people based on race in public and private spaces, including schools, housing, and public facilities.
However, it's important to note that the implementation of the Brown v. Board decision faced significant resistance in many parts of the country. Some areas experienced what is known as "white flight," where white families moved to suburbs or private schools to avoid integration. This phenomenon had long-lasting effects on urban demographics and school funding, contributing to ongoing educational disparities.
Vocabulary: "White flight" refers to the large-scale migration of white populations from racially mixed urban areas to more homogeneous suburban or exurban areas.
The Chicago South Side, where Hansberry's play is set, provides a microcosm of these broader national issues. The area's history of racial segregation, economic challenges, and community resilience reflects the complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors that shaped African-American urban experiences in the mid-20th century.
Example: The Chicago South Side map would show distinct racial boundaries and concentrated areas of poverty, illustrating the effects of systemic segregation and economic inequality.
Lorraine Hansberry's work, informed by her experiences growing up in this environment, brings these historical and social issues to life through the struggles and aspirations of the Younger family in "A Raisin in the Sun." The play's title, taken from a Langston Hughes poem, metaphorically asks what happens to a dream deferred – a question that resonates with the challenges faced by African-Americans in pursuing their aspirations in a society marked by racial discrimination.
Quote: The title "A Raisin in the Sun" comes from Langston Hughes' poem "Harlem," which asks, "What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?"
Lorraine Hansberry and the Historical Context of "A Raisin in the Sun"
Lorraine Hansberry, a pioneering African-American playwright, drew from her personal experiences to create the groundbreaking play "A Raisin in the Sun." Born on May 19, 1930, in Chicago's South Side, Hansberry's life and work were deeply influenced by the racial dynamics of her time. Her play, set in the post-World War II era up to 1959, provides a poignant glimpse into the lives of working-class Black people in Chicago's segregated neighborhoods.
Highlight: Lorraine Hansberry became the first African-American female author to have a play performed on Broadway, breaking significant racial and gender barriers in American theater.
The historical setting of "A Raisin in the Sun" is crucial to understanding its themes and characters. The play takes place in an apartment in Chicago's South Side, an area known as the "Black Belt" due to racial segregation. This setting reflects the reality of many African-American families who had migrated from the South to escape racial discrimination, only to face new challenges in the urban North.
Definition: The "Black Belt" refers to the segregated area in Chicago where African-Americans were confined due to discriminatory housing practices and racial segregation.
Several significant events in the Civil Rights movement form the backdrop of the play. The 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision by the U.S. Supreme Court was a landmark ruling that overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine in public education. This decision declared state-sanctioned segregation of public schools unconstitutional, marking a crucial step towards desegregation and equal educational opportunities for Black students.
Example: The Brown v. Board of Education decision allowed Black students to attend the same schools as white students, aiming to provide equal education and opportunities.
Another tragic event that highlights the racial tensions of the era was the murder of Harry T. and Harriette Moore in Florida in 1951. The Moores, both educators and civil rights activists, were killed by the Ku Klux Klan for their involvement in the civil rights movement. Their deaths underscore the dangers faced by those who fought for racial equality during this period.
Quote: "No one was identified as the murderers for over half a century," highlighting the challenges in achieving justice for civil rights activists during this era.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
All About A Raisin in the Sun & Brown v Board of Education: Fun Facts for Kids!
Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" is a groundbreaking play set in Chicago's South Side, exploring themes of racial segregation, family aspirations, and the African Americanexperience in mid-20th century America. The play, inspired by Hansberry's own experiences,... Show more
Civil Rights Milestones and Their Impact on Society
The historical context of "A Raisin in the Sun" extends beyond the immediate setting of Chicago's South Side, encompassing broader civil rights developments that shaped American society. One of the most significant events was the passage of the Voting Rights Act on August 6, 1965, signed by President Lyndon Johnson. This landmark legislation was a crucial step in enforcing the 15th Amendment and combating discriminatory voting practices that had long disenfranchised African-Americans, particularly in Southern states.
Highlight: The Voting Rights Act outlawed discriminatory voting practices such as literacy tests, which had been used to prevent African-Americans from exercising their right to vote.
The impact of the Brown v. Board of Education decision on the civil rights movement was profound and far-reaching. While it primarily addressed segregation in public schools, its implications extended to challenging racial segregation in all aspects of American life. The ruling provided legal grounds for civil rights activists to push for desegregation in other public spaces and institutions.
Definition: Desegregation refers to the process of ending the separation of people based on race in public and private spaces, including schools, housing, and public facilities.
However, it's important to note that the implementation of the Brown v. Board decision faced significant resistance in many parts of the country. Some areas experienced what is known as "white flight," where white families moved to suburbs or private schools to avoid integration. This phenomenon had long-lasting effects on urban demographics and school funding, contributing to ongoing educational disparities.
Vocabulary: "White flight" refers to the large-scale migration of white populations from racially mixed urban areas to more homogeneous suburban or exurban areas.
The Chicago South Side, where Hansberry's play is set, provides a microcosm of these broader national issues. The area's history of racial segregation, economic challenges, and community resilience reflects the complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors that shaped African-American urban experiences in the mid-20th century.
Example: The Chicago South Side map would show distinct racial boundaries and concentrated areas of poverty, illustrating the effects of systemic segregation and economic inequality.
Lorraine Hansberry's work, informed by her experiences growing up in this environment, brings these historical and social issues to life through the struggles and aspirations of the Younger family in "A Raisin in the Sun." The play's title, taken from a Langston Hughes poem, metaphorically asks what happens to a dream deferred – a question that resonates with the challenges faced by African-Americans in pursuing their aspirations in a society marked by racial discrimination.
Quote: The title "A Raisin in the Sun" comes from Langston Hughes' poem "Harlem," which asks, "What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?"
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Lorraine Hansberry and the Historical Context of "A Raisin in the Sun"
Lorraine Hansberry, a pioneering African-American playwright, drew from her personal experiences to create the groundbreaking play "A Raisin in the Sun." Born on May 19, 1930, in Chicago's South Side, Hansberry's life and work were deeply influenced by the racial dynamics of her time. Her play, set in the post-World War II era up to 1959, provides a poignant glimpse into the lives of working-class Black people in Chicago's segregated neighborhoods.
Highlight: Lorraine Hansberry became the first African-American female author to have a play performed on Broadway, breaking significant racial and gender barriers in American theater.
The historical setting of "A Raisin in the Sun" is crucial to understanding its themes and characters. The play takes place in an apartment in Chicago's South Side, an area known as the "Black Belt" due to racial segregation. This setting reflects the reality of many African-American families who had migrated from the South to escape racial discrimination, only to face new challenges in the urban North.
Definition: The "Black Belt" refers to the segregated area in Chicago where African-Americans were confined due to discriminatory housing practices and racial segregation.
Several significant events in the Civil Rights movement form the backdrop of the play. The 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision by the U.S. Supreme Court was a landmark ruling that overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine in public education. This decision declared state-sanctioned segregation of public schools unconstitutional, marking a crucial step towards desegregation and equal educational opportunities for Black students.
Example: The Brown v. Board of Education decision allowed Black students to attend the same schools as white students, aiming to provide equal education and opportunities.
Another tragic event that highlights the racial tensions of the era was the murder of Harry T. and Harriette Moore in Florida in 1951. The Moores, both educators and civil rights activists, were killed by the Ku Klux Klan for their involvement in the civil rights movement. Their deaths underscore the dangers faced by those who fought for racial equality during this period.
Quote: "No one was identified as the murderers for over half a century," highlighting the challenges in achieving justice for civil rights activists during this era.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user