Who was the first African-American woman to write a Broadway play?

• A. Lorraine Hansberry
• B. Alice Walker
• C. Zora Neale Hurston
• D. Toni Morrison

Answer: (A)

Lorraine Hansberry was the first African-American woman to write a Broadway play, which was "A Raisin in the Sun," first performed in 1959. This groundbreaking work is significant not only for its artistic contribution but also for its exploration of the African-American experience, addressing themes such as racial discrimination, identity, and the pursuit of dreams.

Hansberry's play was a major milestone in American theater, marking an important shift in representation. It was the first play on Broadway written by an African-American woman, and it brought to light the struggles and aspirations of a black family living on the South Side of Chicago, making it an essential piece in both Black history and American culture.

While other notable figures like Alice Walker, Zora Neale Hurston, and Toni Morrison have made significant contributions to literature and the arts, none of them are recognized for writing the first Broadway play by an African-American woman, which cements Hansberry's unique place in history.