The National Black Theatre (NBT) is a historic cultural institution in the United States that was founded in 1968 by Dr. Barbara Ann Teer in Harlem, New York City. The theater was established during the peak of the civil rights movement and aimed to provide a platform for Black artists to showcase their work and explore the Black experience through the performing arts.

Under Dr. Teer's leadership, the National Black Theatre became a hub for African American cultural expression, producing groundbreaking plays, musicals, and performances that addressed issues of race, identity, and social justice. The theater also served as a training ground for emerging Black actors, playwrights, and directors, nurturing a new generation of talent in the performing arts.

Throughout its history, the National Black Theatre has been a beacon of creativity and activism in the Black community, staging productions that challenge stereotypes, celebrate Black culture, and amplify Black voices. The theater continues to be a vital institution in American theater, honoring its legacy as a champion of Black artistic expression and social change.