He was the first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award
for Best Screenplay for the feature film Sounder (1972); he and writer William H. Armstrong
shared the writing credits for this film.
Originated the role of "Bobo" in Lorraine Hansberry's play, "A Raisin
in the Sun".
Survived by his three children: David, Christian, and Lonnie-Christine, two brothers, and two sisters.
Inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1979.