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The Black Arts Movement, dated from 1965-1975, was defined by the political and progressive ideologies. Beyond theatre, the Black Arts Movement--what writer Larry Neal called the "aesthetic sister" to the Black Power Movement--incorporated the work of writers, musicians, and visual artists, all dedicated to affirming pride and respect in Black history and culture. Based in New York City, the Black Arts Movement inspired writers throughout the country to engage in new, experimental styles of dramatic expression. Notable figures and leaders (outside of drama) included writers such as Neal, James Baldwin, and Nikki Giovanni. In theatre, dramatists were dedicated to creating plays that authentically created the experience of Black and African-American people throughout the United States.

Key Dates, Events, & Genres

• 1959 - A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry premieres on Broadway, the first play by an African-American woman to do so. The play is credited with presenting the experience of racism to a white audience in a way they had never seen.
• 1964 - Dutchman by Amiri Baraka premieres at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York City
• 1965 - Malcolm X is assassinated in Manhattan at the Audubon Ballroom. This event inspires more organization around political and progressive ideologies in support of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements.
• 1965 - Amiri Baraka founds the Black Arts Repertory Theatre/School. It closes less than a year later.
• 1968 - Ed Bullinsâ€� play In the Wine Time starts the Twentieth Century Cycle of plays.
• 1975 - Considered the official end of the Black Arts Movement, other artists are later inspired to continue the socio-cultural progress of Baraka and others.
• 1976 - for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf by Ntozake Shange