Correction Appended: Originally posted July 22
It is with extreme sadness that I write this post. Dr. Barbara Ann Teer made her transition on July 21st at the age of 71, having lived a life dedicated to the arts and to the Harlem community at large.
Through thick and thin, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer fought tooth and nail to maintain the Harlem institution known as the National Black Theatre. I often saw Dr. Teer around Harlem at various arts related events – always looking regal, swathed in her trademark colorful afrocentric designs. You just knew she was “somebody” by the way she carried herself. The profound words of Dr. Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman” say it best,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Many of you remember how devastating it was when NBT lost Artistic Director Tunde Samuels
back in 2001, so I can only imagine how heartbreaking it is for the struggling theater to lose it’s founder. While there hasn’t been an in-house company at NBT for quite some time, the theater continued to host events and occasion theatrical productions in the cavernous facility located on the corner of 5th Avenue and 125th Street.
It is especially heart-wrenching for the black theater community, as her transition comes only a year after the loss of Larry Leon Hamlin, founder of the National Black Theater Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Dr. Teer was strong, outspoken and dignified. Thank you for your dedication to your art and the community. Your legacy lives on.
You can send your condolences to NBT and the Teer family by signing the guest book on the NBT website.
The National Black Theatre – Institute of Action Arts
2031-33 National Black Theatre Way
Fifth Avenue (Btw 126th & 127th Streets)
Harlem, NY 10035
Tel: (212) 722-3800 Fax: (212) 860-8004
Related: Amsterdam News [updated] :: Broadway World
*Updates: Press release [NBT] :: Funeral arrangements [NBT]
Filed under: Theater | Tagged: harlem, National Black Theatre, maya angelou, barbara ann teer, tunde samuels, larry leon hamlin, Byrd, Jeffries
Stumble It!
[...] RIP Barbara Ann Teer Rest In Peace Barbara Ann Teer 1937 -2008 [...]
Beloved Arts Community of Harlem, New York and World Cultures:
Please add our heartfelt acknowledgement of this pioneer, Barbara Ann Teer. She understood the needs of self definition, access, a haven of creativity and connections. Not one must survive; but instead ALL Must Survive and are enriched by our collective survival and perservance.
Dance Giant Steps, Inc is very grateful for our endeavors in her beautiful space on Fifth Ave and equally important, was always happy to see her on the Congolese dance floor with us at the Hansborough Recreation Center.
Beloved Family you have given us a mighty soul. She is now a guardian of our circle that has no end…
May God bless you and our family. I say this because you have been family to me along with the National Black Theater. My thoughts and praises are with the National Black Theater family.
My heartfelt condolence to the family. We will all remember her loving and courageous spirit. We at 4W Circle are humble that she was one of our 1998 Shero Honorees and we continue to celebrate her contribution to institution building. Rest knowing that your work is done.
Dr. Teer always brought great joy to my life. Her generous laughter, easy smile, and welcoming spirit were always readily available. Her amazing spirit will, no doubt, be holding us all from on high.
Dr. Teer always brought inspiration to everyone who was honored to have worked with her, and just to be in her presence. May she RIP, and long live her vision for the arts in Harlem.
Dear loved ones and family of Dr. Barbara Ann Teer:
It is with pride and great respect that I thank Barbara for always showing me how to live in VICTORY! Her spirit will continue to guide us. Lorna Harris
Dr. Teer has been a role model for all who commit themselves to a worthy cause. She leaves an intractable legacy. Her spirit will live on through the many that she has touched. Heartfelt condolences to the NBT family.
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the late Dr. Barbara Ann Teery. In the tradition of our African ancestors, I call upon them to receive her ancestor spirit that will continue to watch over us. May she rest in peace.
JOB WELL DONE!!!!!!!!
My sincerest condolences to the family and all the lives of the people Barbara Ann Teer touched. Barbara thank you for your vision and the legacy that we must carry on!!! May your light from on high continue to SHINE!!!
My Love to the NBT Family.
Blessings! Peace! And Respect! To my beloved Harlem Family:
The transition of our dear “Barbara” represents, in many ways, a loss that is incalcuable at this time. When a community that is experiencing a very tenuous hold for its identity, culture, and very existence, loses such a leader, we are stunned; yet, in honoring her enormous energy, vision, valor, and respect for Black culture, we must immediately grasp the baton! As she willing was our ‘BLACK CULTURAL WARRIOR”, so must we continue to hold “ground”. That is how we honor Ancestry. A clarion call has been sounded. Harlem, in what key shall we sing? “TRUTH,VALOR, TRUST’, AND CONTINUANCE” for Barbara. For Harlem. Respect!
Barbara Ann Teer lived out her mission in life because she left a wonderful legacy behind that has and will continue to enrich many lives. May you rest in peace in the realm of the honored ancestors Dr. Barbara Ann Teer.
ASE, ASE, ASE
I remember Barbara Ann Teer as a quiet, determined teacher at Wadleigh Junior High (JHS 88). I only knew her slightly but she left a lasting impression. I taught at Wadleigh when she was there. May she rest in peace and may her family continue to be proud of her accomplishments.
Sympathy
Thanks to everyone who commented on this post.