Barbara Ann Teer was a prominent playwright, director, producer, and activist in Black history. She was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, in 1937 and was a trailblazer in the world of African American theater. In 1968, Teer founded the National Black Theatre (NBT) in Harlem, New York City. The theater was created as a cultural and educational institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of African American art and culture.

Teer's vision for the National Black Theatre was to provide a platform for Black artists to showcase their talents, tell their stories, and explore issues affecting the Black community. Under her leadership, the NBT became a hub for African American theater, producing groundbreaking works by Black playwrights and providing opportunities for emerging Black artists.

Barbara Ann Teer was not only a visionary in the world of theater but also a fierce advocate for social justice and civil rights. She used her platform at the National Black Theatre to address issues of racial inequality and empower the Black community through art and activism.

Throughout her career, Teer received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the arts and the Black community. She passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence and social impact that continues to inspire and influence Black artists and activists to this day.