The Billie Holiday Theatre (aka the "Billie," or the "BHT,") is an AUDELCO and Obie Award-winning theatre that aims to provide "complete and authentic portrayals" of the African diaspora experience, as well as "artistic and institutional residencies and ... educational programming to people of all ages.

"[5] In 2022, the New York State Senate marked the Billie's 50th Anniversary with a commemorative resolution in recognition of its contributions.

[6] Franklin A. Thomas, the first Black President of the Ford Foundation, used his position to revitalize his hometown neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant through the Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, America's first community development corporation, resulting in the 218-seat Billie.

[7][8][9] Thomas’ vision for the Billie was “to expose the second largest black community in America to the arts while providing an outlet for local talent.”[7] Marjorie Moon was appointed the theatre's executive director.

[12][13] The newly renovated theater reopened in May 2017 at 1368 Fulton Street, inside the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation's Restoration Plaza, and is part of a $6 million superblock in Bedford-Stuyvesant, which is slated to eventually house an ice-skating rink and a supermarket, in addition to the theatre.