Memorial Service for Dr. Barbara Ann Teer Announced
By: Victoria Myers Jul. 25, 2008
The Memorial Service for Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, the Founder of the National Black Theatre, will be held on Monday, July 28, 2008 at 1pm. The Memorial begins with a processional from the Theatre (125th & 5th) to Riverside Church (120th & Riverside Drive) where the service will take place. Expected to pay tribute & to celebrate the life & legacy of Dr. Teer, will be Ruby Dee, Phylicia Rashad, Amiri Baraka, Roberta Flack, Hattie Winston, former NYC mayor, the Hon. David Dinkins & many more. The schedule is as follows:
Processional Parade leaving from the National Black Theatre [125th St. & 5th Avenue]
to Riverside Church [120th St & Riverside Drive]
Parade includes African Drummers, Elephants, Horse drawn Carriage & Community3pm | Service at Riverside Church begins
Special Guests on Program Include:
Negro Ensemble Company - Hattie Winston
Broadway Theatre - Ruby Dee
Coalition of Theatres of Color - Woodie King
National Black Theatre - Nabii Faison
Obituary Reading - Phylicia Rashad
Musical Performance - Roberta Flack
Black Arts Movement - Sonia Sanchez | Amiri Baraka
[others]Tributes from Harlem's Political Leaders:
Congressman Charles Rangel
Councilwoman Inez Dickens
Governor David A. Patterson
Senator Bill Perkins
Basil Patterson
Hon. David Dinkins5:30pm | Releasing of Doves6pm | 21 Gun Salute6pm -9pm | Repast9pm | Fireworks Display provided by the Grucci FamilyDR. BARBARA ANN TEER (Executive Producer, Founder & CEO) arrived on the Harlem scene in 1968 after a successful show business career performing in Off-Broadway & Broadway productions. Her commitment to preserving the beauty & cultural richness of the African American lifestyle manifested in the founding of the National Black Theatre, Inc. a short time later. In 1983, Dr. Teer expanded the purpose & vision of the National Black Theatre by purchasing a city block length of property fronting on the major business corridor of 125th Street in Central Harlem. Today, the National Black Theatre is the sponsoring developer for the Real Estate Project, which has become the first revenue generating Black Theater Arts complex in the country. Former Governor Mario Cuomo acknowledged Dr. Teer as "one of New York State's greatest cultural treasures & resources" & as "a cornerstone for the revitalization of 125th Street." Announcing NEA's Challenge Grant Awards, the late President Ronald Reagan said "The National Black Theatre is one of the sixty-three most important Arts Institutions in America." More than 250 articles, books & videos document the contributions & accomplishments of Dr. Teer's work in the public sector. She is included in Who's Who in America & Who's Who Worldwide, in recognition of her status as a global business leader. In addition, she has received more than 60 awards citations. A mentor for young people, Dr. Teer taught at Harlem's Wadleigh Junior High School & continued with the Group Theatre Workshop, the foundation for the world-renowned Negro Ensemble Company. Dr. Teer is the mother Michael F. "Omi" Lythcott & Barbara A. "Sade" Lythcott.
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