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Statement from Cliff Fraizer
REMEMBERING THE BEAUTIFUL 30 MINUTES I SPENT WITH DR. BARBARA ANN TEER ON
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2008
On Saturday, July 19 around 4:00
PM I was walking east on 137th Street headed to the Schomberg
Center. It was an unusually serene day. I heard a voice calling, “Cliff”.
I turned around and it was Dr. Barbara Ann Teer. sitting on her stoop As I
approached her, I noticed a heavenly and radiant glow about her. We hugged
and kissed. I have known Dr. Teer since 1965 when we both appeared in “Day
of Absence’, by Douglas Turner Ward at St. Marks Playhouse. I played Luke
and she played Robert Hooks’ wife. It was an exciting production and the
forerunner for Negro Ensemble Company. As we talked I saw the glimpse of a
very deep tranquility on her face. She spoke of obstacles that had been
thrown in her path, especially regarding her building. Early on the
building burned down but with her determination it was reborn. Nubian
Heritage, was recently providing a financial anchor for the building, but
was unable to continue. Yet she persevered and won. Currently Applebees
wants to rent space in the facility. Dr. Teer wanted to be cautious and
protective of NBT regarding who rents the space.
As we talked on, she mentioned a
group of youth from Philadelphia who had been trained in the precepts and
concepts of National Black Theatre by Bunmi Samuels, an alumni of the NBT’s
Children’s Program She said they recited the precepts in great detail,
indicating how well they had learned them. She was so proud her eyes
moistened as she recalled those wonderful moments. She said it was one of
the happiest days of her life.
She also spoke very proudly and
lovingly of her children, Michael F. “Omi” Lythcott and Barbara A. “Sade”
Lythcott, and said they had pleased her very much.
As if prophetic, she spoke
lovingly about the NBT family that had been with her for so many years,
including the Faisons, Samuels and many others. She said she was fortunate
to have such a loyal, dedicated and capable group who were a significant
part of the growth and success of NBT. She felt good and happy about their
accomplishments.
She was very protective of the NBT
legacy and the importance of its continuation.
We talked about the importance of
the community, business and real estate development, home ownership and
owning land. This is the example she was setting with NBT. She also
stressed that any tenant that was allowed to lease space must be respectful
and honorable in their business relationship and obligation to NBT.
Since Voza Rivers, Ademola
Olugebefola and I were co-developing a ten story building in Harlem on 123rd
Street and St. Nicholas Avenue, comprised of 50 condos, cultural industry
spaces including a mini theatre, dance rehearsal, exhibition and office
space, as well as, retail space, she said she was very proud of our
accomplishments. She was very pleased that we stayed together for 12 years
and were finally able to get financing.
To all of those who might read my
remembrance, Dr. Teer had an absolute and total commitment to her community
and her people. When Woodie King, Jr. called me early Monday to tell me
that Dr. Teer had passed, I was stunned, shocked and greatly saddened. I
salute you Dr. Teer. On that hot summer day in July, you looked so regal.
My love for you grew and I am so pleased and privileged that God allowed me
to spend those magical 30 minutes with our Queenly Dr. Barbara Ann Teer.
With Great Love and Respect
Cliff Frazier
Dr. Barbara Ann Teer
OUR CULTURAL GOLD
The untimely transition of Dr.
Barbara Ann Teer a theater icon, spiritual warrior and visionary
entrepreneur, brings into sharp focus the mission of Drama Mamas!
Black Women Theatre Directors In The
Spotlight And Remembered
Dr. Teer’s monumental legacy is highlighted in our
groundbreaking film, with Vinnette Carroll, Debbie Allen, Seret Scott,
Shauneille Perry, Shirley Jo Finney, Vy Higginsen and Nataki Garrett; just a
few of the celebrated directors in the hour and 27 minutes of our footage in
the midst of post - production.
$25,000 can make Drama Mamas! The Film festival ready -
Right Now
Your $25.00 donation or more will provide the finishing funds needed for
building animation, sound and color correction, use of archival materials,
editing and our original soundtrack.
My Co-Executive Producer Ademola
Olugebefola, friend and colleague of Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, has pledged to
award each donor of $500 or more – a complimentary work of investment grade
art matching the value of your donation.
The much appreciated investment of
our first responders and the heartfelt donations of our early contributors
helped us accrue magnificent publicity, deliver an award winning short and
arrive at this point in post – production. Help us sprint to the finish line
DONATE NOW AT THIS WEBSITE
Or make your check or money order
out to Drama Mamas and mail to
Drama Mamas
P.O. 470199
Brooklyn NY 11247
HONOR OUR PAST - RESPECT OUR
PRESENT- INVEST IN OUR CULTURAL GOLD
Drama Mamas
Remembers Dr. Barbara Ann Teer
Go For The Gold!
Sincere thanks
for your participation,
Passion
Director, Co-Executive
Producer |