Barbara Ann Teer was a prominent figure in Black history, known for her work as a playwright, director, producer, and cultural activist. She was the founder of the National Black Theatre (NBT) in Harlem, New York City, which she established in 1968 as a space dedicated to promoting the work of Black artists and preserving Black cultural traditions.

Teer was a trailblazer in the theater world, challenging the lack of representation of Black stories and experiences on stage. She used the NBT as a platform to showcase the talents of Black playwrights, actors, and directors, and to create a community space where Black culture could be celebrated and explored.

Through her work at the National Black Theatre, Teer became a respected leader in the Black arts movement, advocating for greater diversity and inclusion in the arts and pushing for more opportunities for Black artists to tell their own stories. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and activists who are committed to using the arts as a tool for social change and empowerment within the Black community.