Celebrate Lorraine Hansberry’s birthday at Arts + Public Life! We’re marking the occasion with activities across the Arts Block to honor the renowned author and playwright who grew up in the Washington Park Subdivision. Start your visit with birthday cake and a screening of A Raisin in the Sun (1961) in the Cultural Stewardship Reading Room.  Take home a free book by Lorraine Hansberry—available while supplies last—and browse books, magazines, and archival materials on South Side arts, culture and history. 

Honoring Hansberry's interest in the Black diaspora, its politics and aesthetics, we’re opening the APL Gallery tonight for viewing Jess Atieno's exhibition Sightlines, Ghosts, and Other Stories of the Impossible.

The L1 Retail Store joins the party with a curated selection of products centered around Lorraine Hansberry, Langston Hughes, and other Black literary geniuses, highlighting them both in the shop window and throughout the store. L1 will offer a 15% discount on Lorraine Hansberry items, specifically the patch, enamel pin, greeting card, sticker and magnet.

Join us for a walking tour of the Arts Block from 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM. We will explore the history and mission of our four venues—the Arts Incubator, Green Line Performing Arts Center, L1 Retail Store, and the Arts Lawn—while discussing their role in the Washington Park neighborhood. Please meet at the Arts Incubator Gallery (301 E. Garfield Blvd) to begin the tour and learn more about our community programs.