Back to Show
American Masters
Lorraine Hansberry on being young, gifted and black
With her health failing, Lorraine Hansberry left the hospital to speak to the teenage winners of a national writing contest. She described the young writers as "young, gifted and black" - the words that inspired the Nina Simone song of the same name - and urged them to represent their community in their work.
Support Provided By

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:29:33
See the story of the Indigenous singer-songwriter, social activist, educator and artist.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:53:01
Explore the life of the famous singer who became an icon for the civil rights movement.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:36:11
Revisit the remarkable career and life of an icon who became a human rights pioneer.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:50
Revisit the remarkable career and life of an icon who became a human rights pioneer.

1:28:42
Explore the life and 70-year career of the iconic Latina actor, performer and activist.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:39:49
The story of the author of the “The Joy Luck Club.”

Unlock with PBS Passport
52:28
Explore the life of artist Keith Haring who revolutionized pop culture and fine art.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:56:29
An artful and intimate meditation on the legendary storyteller.

1:23:25
Delve into the enigmatic life of Pulitzer Prize-winning author and poet N. Scott Momaday

1:52:53
Explore the entertainer’s life with unprecedented access to his archives. Director's cut.

Unlock with PBS Passport
1:53:14
"The Queen of Country Music” is still going strong after more than 50 years of music.