Dr. Teresa C. Little

• Specialized Education Services
• Clinical Associate Professor, 2014

(DVD) A Raisin in the Sun (1961), by Lorraine Hansberry

I read this play as a middle-school student many years after its debut on Broadway. It was the first time I recall having exposure to literature which focused on an African-American family. I was intrigued by Hansberry’s groundbreaking themes which were parallel to the ideals of my parents: value and purpose of dreams, civil rights, and the importance of family.

The most powerful scene from the play which continues to impact my life occurs when the Younger family realizes they would no longer need to defer their dreams. When confronted by Mr. Lindner, who has offered them money in an effort to stop them from moving into his neighborhood, Walter tells him: “We have decided to move into our house because my father—my father—he earned it for us brick by brick. We don’t want to make no trouble for nobody or fight no causes, and we will try to be good neighbors. And that’s all we got to say about that. We don’t want your money.” As others watch this classic play, I hope it sparks conversations regarding the significance of fulfilling dreams.