Remembering Chicago's Lorraine Hansberry on her 95th Birthday
Born at Provident Hospital on May 19, 1930, Lorraine Hansberry was a South Side native who would go on to make Broadway history.
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Hey Chicago Southsiders,
Lorraine Hansberry was born on May 19, 1930, at Provident Hospital on the South Side of Chicago. I used to drive past Provident Hospital on my way to school—not knowing that the legendary Lorraine Hansberry was born there in 1930. (It was in a different location back then, but still, wow!).
Hansberry made history as the first Black woman to have a play performed on Broadway. A Raisin in the Sun is a timeless portrayal of Black family life, housing discrimination, and the pursuit of dreams. My family and I saw it in 2023 at Beverly Arts Center and again this March at Court Theatre—and it still hits home.
As we celebrate Lorraine’s birthday this week, let this serve as a powerful reminder: South Side stories matter. If no one writes them, no one remembers them—and a vital part of our identity is lost.
Become a part of something bigger. Join the South Side Legacy Circle and help us keep our stories alive. We’re aiming to welcome 10 new annual subscribers by Memorial Day, and we’ll be recognizing and thanking our members this weekend. Your support fuels the storytelling that preserves our legacy.
Talk soon,
Charlene Rhinehart
Publisher, Chicago Southsider
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June Event Guide
Our June Event Guide is live, and it’s packed with ways to celebrate, connect, and explore all month long!
Check out a few events coming up in June:
Annual Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour 2025
Chicago Blues Festival
Chicago Vegandale Festival 2025
Click on our June Event Guide here.
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Warm regards,
Chicago Southsider
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