The Stories:  Finding an unexpected and inspiring note from mother Barbara Ann Teer. Pivoting. Launching NBT Beyond Walls. Building a building and the creative process involved. Escaped a close call leaving Tom Ford pieces two countries behind while on tour styling Lenny Kravitz. “Our work is for all audiences, but it’s also to create a platform of possibility and to course-correct the stories that have rendered us two-dimensional.” Working with Ivy Park and Beyoncé to sample her mother's words on Alien Superstar. The Backstory: Worked the door at NYC’s legendary clubs, was discovered on a red carpet at the MTV VMA’s and worked as a producer for TRL, co-founded a swimwear line, began helming National Black Theatre after her mother’s sudden passing. Words Of Wisdom: “I’m building the plane while I’m flying it.” "If I don't see you wholly, and you don't see me wholly, then we can never connect or belong." "Life is short. Live it to the fullest." "No matter how fast and hard you run away from your purpose, it always comes back around." On Inspo: “My forever 'yes' is to show up and be a good daughter.” Dancer Judith Jamison’s relationship with her mother’s best friend, Alvin Ailey, has inspired her through ‘Impostor Syndrome’. "The seven generations of women who carry me every day." On National Black Theatre: “I’m ambitious in my vision for what NBT must be: the premiere destination for black theater in the country”. ‘The majority of black theater is being produced in white spaces with artistic directors and producers for white audiences. Feels the honor and the pressure of preserving black culture and history. On NYC: "There was a heartbeat to New York. No matter where you came from, we belonged to each other." What Else: “I’m not in  the business of theater, I’m in the business of freedom.” Obsixed: A collection of Sade's lifestyle obsessions.

A WORD FROM THE HOST

Sade Lythcott and I got together again after years and years so I could properly tell her story. She and I first spoke in 2020 for our Her Life is Her Art article series. And I knew then that Story + Rain needed---and would---do more to showcase her as an artist, creator, and entrepreneur, and all that she's doing at National Black Theater in Harlem and for Black culture. Listen in to hear her explain why she's in the business of freedom and not theater. The stories here are plenty and they are riveting. Sade's life and career are filled with highest-vibration creative energy, people, and adventure. Sade talks about the profound relationship she had with her mother, Barbara Ann Teer, from whom she inherited NBT. And she tells the story of her resilience in her passing, and some magic around that moment. We follow her former life as a producer for MTV's famed TRL series. While you'll hear about how she and BFF Zoe Kravitz tease that this time in her life had lasted for about 30 or 40 seconds, you'll also hear how she made her mark styling Lenny Kravitz---along with a nail-biting story about leaving his Tom Ford wardrobe behind while on tour. Oh, and you'll definitely want to shop her tastemaker favorites.  I love this one.   

                                        + tamara rappa