Barbara Ann Teer was a prominent figure in Black history as an actress, playwright, producer, and director. She was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, in 1937, and grew up to be a pioneering force in the world of African American theater.

Teer founded the National Black Theatre (NBT) in Harlem, New York, in 1968, with the vision of creating a space dedicated to showcasing the talents and stories of Black artists. Under her leadership, NBT became a cultural institution that provided opportunities for Black playwrights, actors, and directors to stage their work and tell their stories.

Teer was not only a visionary leader but also a talented playwright. She wrote and produced several plays that explored the Black experience in America, touching on themes of identity, history, and social justice.

Throughout her career, Teer was committed to empowering Black artists and creating a platform for their voices to be heard. She was a trailblazer in the world of African American theater and her legacy continues to inspire generations of Black artists today.