Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre (NBT), the first self-sufficient, revenue generating black arts institution in the country, will shine the spotlight on individuals who have inspired cultural liberation at its Tenth Annual TEER Spirit Awards Gala on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. The event, which celebrates the history, legacy and trailblazing spirit of NBT and marks the historic theater’s 49th anniversary, will take place in the NBT building located at 2031 5th Avenue in Harlem. This year’s honorees include acclaimed news commentator and activist Van Jones, Tony-award nominated, TV, stage actor and Broadway producer Brandon Victor Dixon and noted stage, television and film actress Barbara Montgomery. The event will be hosted by Rhonda Ross. NBT is the oldest continuously operated black theater in New York and one of the oldest theatrical organizations led by a woman of color in the United States.
“When Dr. Teer set out to start the NBT nearly half century ago, she wanted to embolden her community by creating risk-taking work that could and would shift the national conversation around our cultural identity to more accurately reflect our humanity and ultimately promote a much needed change and healing for our people and community,” said Sade Lythcott, CEO of NBT and daughter of Dr. Barbara Ann Teer. “This year’s TSA honorees are all game changers, exemplifying the power of risk taking in order to deliver the truth. On June 13th NBT will celebrate the groundbreaking work of six Black artists, activists & game changers who are working tirelessly in their given field to redefine, renew and reignite social & cultural impact through the arts. Please join us!”
Jones, an NAACP President’s Award-winner and one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2009, will be awarded the Dr. Barbara Ann Teer Spirit Award for his investment in unleashing the power of spirit within the community. Victor Dixon recently starred in the live TV broadcast of Jesus Christ Superstar and has been a consistent force on Broadway with notable leading roles in Motown, The Color Purple and Hamilton. Dixon will receive the Adetunde Samuel Award, which celebrates members of the theatrical community who have acted as visionaries and catalysts for artistic development. Montgomery and Abiodun Oyewole will receive Teer Pioneer Awards for being a pioneer in history and culture. Distinguished civic leader Kenneth Knuckles will receive the Fredrica L. Teer Award, named for NBT’s first executive director and given to those who exemplify exceptional leadership and work as institution builders, like Frederica. Ebony Noelle Golden will receive the Teer Trailblazer Award for being a visionary and catalyst of new possibilities for artistic expression.. Honorees will receive beautifully crafted digital mixed media print awards designed by visual artist Mariona Lloreta specifically for this event.
The host committee includes major players in New York’s theater scene, including recent Tony Award winning producer and film maker Ron Simons, legendary director and artists Charles Randolph-Wright and Tony Award nominee Michelle Wilson, as well as esteemed director-producer Kamilah Forbes (Apollo Theater executive producer) and Executive Director of Theatre Communications Group, Teresa Eyring. Other members include Claudette Faison, Ade’ Faison and Chief Adeyemi Lythcott Ayodele Moore. The evening will include a cocktail reception, awards ceremony, and performances featuring a live music by DJ Stormin Norman. Guests are asked to wear festive, chic attire.
Tickets for the event are $200 per person. National Black Theatre is located at 2031 Fifth Avenue between 125th and 126th Streets in Harlem. (Take the 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 subway to 125th Street.) Tickets can be purchased online at www.nationalblacktheatre.org, by calling NBT directly at (212) 722- 3800, or at NBT’s Box Office from 1pm to 6pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Seating is limited. Follow NBT on Facebook (www.facebook.com/NationalBlackTheatre) and Twitter/Instagram (@NatBlackTheatre).
Visit www.nationalblacktheatre.orgor follow NBT on Facebook (@NationalBlackTheatre) and Twitter/Instagram (@NatBlackTheatre).
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