National Black Theatre

[1] Based in the Harlem neighborhood of the New York City borough of Manhattan, NBT was founded in 1968 by actress, director, producer, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer.

"[4] Teer turned the theatre into a cultural incubator that provided shows and workshops to help promote respect for the African ancestry and for black self-expression.

[5] The NBT produced plays that were dedicated to raising the consciousness of the African-American community by crafting a distinct departure from White theatrical conventions.

[1][12] In 2002, Barbara Ann Teer sold 49 percent of the property to Nubian Partners, which operated multiple retail outlets within the building.

[13] Justice Walter B. Tolub, a judge for the New York County Supreme Court (Civil), ruled that leasing part of the building to Applebee's would be violating the contract between the two parties, National Black Theatre and Nubian Partners.

[13][14] On the afternoon of 15 July 2009, the State Supreme Court justice ruled that the Applebee's chain is not allowed to move into the building with the National Black Theatre.