The Registry

Lorraine Hansberry, Playwright, and Activist born

Lorraine Hansberry was born on this date in 1930. She was an African American writer and activist for equal rights for Blacks.

Lorraine Vivian Hansberry was born in Chicago, the daughter of Nannie Perry Hansberry and Carl A. Hansberry, both active proponents of civil rights. Hansberry’s father worked with the NAACP and the Urban League to challenge segregation. and he ran for Congress through his His attempt to break down the barriers of racism continued in the political arena when he ran for Congress.

Bill Robinson, Dancer born

On this date in 1878, Bill Bojangles Robinson was born. He was an African American tap dancer and entertainer.

Regina Anderson, Playwright, and Librarian born

This date celebrates the birth of Regina M. Anderson in 1901. She was an African American librarian, playwright, and patron of the arts.

Aaron Douglas, Artist born

On this date we recall the birth of Aaron Douglas in 1899. He was an African American artist closely associated with the Harlem Renaissance.

Josephine Baker, Entertainer, and Activist born

Josephine Baker, an African American French expatriate dancer and singer, was born on this date in 1906.

The American Negro Theater is Formed

On this date in 1940, The American Negro Theater (ANT) was organized in Harlem, New York. Coordinators were Frederick O’Neal, Abram Hill, and members of the McClendon Players.

ANT was a pioneering African American theater company and school in which several hundred Black actors, writers, and technicians began their careers. The Academy Award-winning actors Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee and actor and singer Harry Belafonte, are three of the prominent African-

Meta V.W. Fuller, Sculptor born

*This date marks the birth of Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller in 1877. She was a Black sculptor and one of the earliest studio artists to depict Black themes.

Henry O. Tanner, Artist born

Henry Ossawa Tanner was born on this date in 1859. He was a Black painter known for his paintings of everyday African American life and for his scenes from the Bible.

Katherine Dunham, Choreographer, and Dancer born

Katherine Dunham was born on this date in 1910. She was an African American choreographer and dancer.

James Van Der Zee, Photographer born

On this date, James Van Der Zee was born in 1886. He was an African American photographer whose portraits of Black New Yorkers chronicled the Harlem Renaissance.