Douglas (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lorraine Hansberry
1930-1965
| | Bronzeville Walk of Fame | |
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026
1. Lorraine Hansberry Marker
Author & playwright
Erected 1996.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Women. In addition, it is included in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 41° 49.909′ N, 87° 37.053′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Douglas (Bronzeville). It is on South Dr. Martin Luther King Drive north of East 35th Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is one of four embedded into the sidewalk next to the Chicago Public Library's King Branch. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3430 South Dr Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fannie Barrier Williams (here, next to this marker); Vivian Harsh (here, next to this marker); Richard Wright (here, next to this marker); The Boulevard System (within shouting distance of this marker); Bronzeville (within shouting distance of this marker); Gwendolyn Brooks (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bronzeville
this page online
Regarding Lorraine Hansberry. Lorraine Hansberry was born on Chicago's south side in 1930. When she was 7, her family moved to the all-white Washington Park subdivision, about three miles south of this historical marker, in order to challenge its strict racial covenants that barred Blacks from purchasing homes in the neighborhood. Their lawsuit eventually became the Hansberry v. Lee Supreme Court case, whose decision paved the way for later decisions that outlawed racial covenants.
Hansberry completed Raisin in the Sun in 1959, and it played on Broadway for 530 shows. In 1961, it was made into a film starring Sidney Poitier. While she was married for nine years, she lived most of her adult life as a closeted lesbian, as homosexuality was illegal in New York. She died of pancreatic cancer on January 12, 1965, at age 34.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Other in Chicago markers dedicated to Lorraine Hansberry
Also see . . . Lorraine Hansberry biography. From the
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026
2. Four markers in front of the King Branch library
Friedman-Abeles Studio (courtesy of the New York Public Library), 1955
3. Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 3. submitted on September 14, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
