Housing Segregation

This picture is from Bloomfield, Connecticut, 
but nonetheless shows that housing 
segregation affected the Northeast 
just as much as it did Chicago and the South.

As we continue to read A Raisin in the Sun, it will be important for you to have a background knowledge of what Housing Segregation was is and how it operated operates.  Lorraine Hansberry's own father was a prominent real estate broker, who brought a case to the Supreme Court (Hansberry v. Lee, 311 U.S. 32 1940).  This case no doubt influenced Hansberry herself and greatly inspired the play (this would fall under the critical lens of Historical Criticism or Biographical Criticism).

Published in the Chicago Daily News, July 10th, 1962

More importantly, however, as we look at this issue in greater detail, it is important for you to understand Housing Segregation as citizens in a democracy.  Consider seriously how the history of Blockbusting and Redlining lives on today.  As you read, don't just question how it affected people "back then," but ask how it affects you and me right now.

For the questions we will be working on over the next few days, you will need to use the following articles:

Housing Segregation

Blockbusting 

Redlining

Also, for further reading, consider looking at "Confessions of a Blockbuster" originally published in the Saturday Evening Post.

As you consider this issue, please contribute to the discussion by voicing your opinions and reactions below, too.

The following is an excerpt written by Lorraine Hansberry, describing her father:

http://repository.jmls.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1283&context=facpubs