Mississippi News
On this day in 1959
On this day in 1959
MARCH 11, 1959
A Raisin in the Sun, the first Broadway play written by a Black woman, debuted at the Ethel Barrymore Theater. Lorraine Hansberry drew inspiration for her play from a Langston Hughes' poem: “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?”
Hansberry also drew on her past, her family fighting Chicago's restrictive covenants in court and finally getting their day in court. The Broadway drama starred Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeal and Ruby Dee. It was also the first Broadway play of the modern era with a Black director, Lloyd Richards.
The New York Drama Critics' Circle named it the best play, and it was adapted into a 1961 film, which starred the original Broadway cast. Hansberry wrote the screenplay, and Dee won Best Supporting Actress from the National Board of Review.
In 1973, the drama became a Broadway musical, Raisin, and it won the Tony for Best Musical. In 2010, Hansberry's family home became a historic landmark, and the play continues to be performed on Broadway and across the nation.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Retrial for Beth Ann White begins Monday
SUMMARY: In Hinds County, Mississippi, Beth Ann White is facing her second trial for a crash that killed a mother and her six-month-old son in November 2021. During the first trial, it was alleged that White had a blood alcohol content level more than three times the legal limit. The defense questioned the right of way during the crash, resulting in a mistrial due to the jury's inability to reach a consensus on a verdict. White was indicted on four counts of aggravated DUI and has pled not guilty. After the trial ended with a hung jury, the county re-indicted White for the charges.
The post Retrial for Beth Ann White begins Monday appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Mississippi lawmakers send education, PERS bills to governor
SUMMARY: Mississippi lawmakers settled contentious issues, sending a new public education funding formula to Governor Tate Reeves. The Mississippi Student Funding Formula would replace MAEP, bringing in $220 million more to public schools. The compromise was well-received by lawmakers and educators, providing a more understandable and predictable funding mechanism. Additionally, a deal was reached on the Public Employees' Retirement System, which mandates an increase in contributions but will not impact current benefits. House Speaker Jason White emphasized the importance of prioritizing education funding, PERS, and healthcare access in Mississippi, expressing hope for further compromises in the future.
The post Mississippi lawmakers send education, PERS bills to governor appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Hunter Hines leads MSU baseball to series win at Vanderbilt
SUMMARY: Mississippi State baseball defeated Vanderbilt 8-7 in game three to clinch the series. Despite Vanderbilt tying the game with six runs in the sixth inning and taking the lead in the seventh, Mississippi State rallied in the ninth with a two-run homer by Hunter Hines. Pitcher Tyson Hardin closed out the game with a scoreless ninth inning. The win improved Mississippi State's SEC record to 12-9.
The post Hunter Hines leads MSU baseball to series win at Vanderbilt appeared first on www.wcbi.com
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