1959 - Lorraine Hansberry’s "A Raisin in the Sun" Wins New York Drama Critics' Circle Award

On May 19, 1959, Lorraine Hansberry became the first African American playwright to win the New York Drama Critics\’ Circle Award for her groundbreaking play A Raisin in the Sun. The play, which debuted earlier that year, offered a complex, authentic portrayal of a Black family’s struggles on Chicago’s South Side. Inspired by Hansberry’s own experiences with housing discrimination, A Raisin in the Sun challenged mainstream stereotypes and became a defining moment in American theater. Its exploration of race, identity, dreams, and generational conflict resonated deeply across cultural lines. Hansberry’s achievement on May 19 was a major breakthrough for Black writers and remains a pivotal moment in both theatrical and civil rights history. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of playwrights, activists, and creatives seeking to tell stories rooted in truth, dignity, and resistance.