The NCBR and the NBTF’s Queen Mother Sylvia Sprinkle Hamlin
Remembering an Angel Rising
After earning a Bachelor’s in Education, Sylvia taught in public school briefly. Then she received a Master’s in Library Science and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration and moved to Philadelphia to be a librarian. After awhile, Sprinkle returned to her beloved Winston-Salem, first as a librarian at WSSU, then to lead Children’s Outreach at the Forsyth County Central Public Library.
Madame librarian
She remained an ardent employee of the Forsyth Library System for 40 years, serving 19 of them as its Director. She was the first African American and first woman to do so. Sylvia nurtured and mentored Forsyth County’s youth and seniors with innovative programs she insisted be offered in the state-of-the-art learning facility at 660 Fifth Street that she successfully championed to have built.
Like a hand in glove
Of all the many wonderful opportunities Sylvia created for her community, her greatest may well be the ones she made with “Mr. Marvtastic,” Larry Leon Hamlin, her husband of 25 years. Their 1982 marriage was truly a heaven ordained union. Larry Leon Hamlin founded the North Carolina Black Repertory Theatre (NCBR) in 1979 to discover, develop, and showcase the talents of local African Americans and entertain, inspire, educate, and raise the consciousness of all.
Larry’s mission coincided with Sylvia’s like a hand in glove. Drawing on her resources and administrative talents, she fine-tuned the broad vision of her partner. In 1989, Larry Leon produced the inaugural National Black Theatre Festival (NBTF), “…to unite black theatre companies in America to ensure the survival of the genre into the next millennium.” It was the greatest event of African American theatre in the world, drawing tens of thousands over six days to this otherwise sleepy hollow hamlet. And Sylvia proved once more to be the wind beneath Larry’s wings, meticulously orchestrating the administrative and behind-the-scenes elements of the event. Later, artists like Donald Brown, a U.K. sculptor, and other international artists were showcased in subsequent Festivals, making it a truly global event.
Another opening of another show
When African American founders pass, their dreams often die with them. Not so for the NCBR nor the NBTF. When Hamlin transitioned in 2007, Sylvia took the helm of both institutions and broadened their vision and effectiveness. She surrounded herself with a cadre of committed artistes and advisers.
Jackie Alexander, an award-winning playwright-director, as the Artistic Director oversees the NCBR and the NBTF. Mabel Robinson, a former Broadway dancer and choreographer, is a consultant and helps select the Festival presentations. Nigel Alston, the NCBR Executive Director, is also a creative fundraiser for the Festival; Lawrence Evans, an award-winning NYC actor, continues as the Celebrity Coordinator and NBTF man Friday as he has since 1989. Atlanta, GA native, Lark Hackshaw, a Broadway stage manager, coordinates the Opening Gala Night and is NBTF’s girl Friday. Arthur “Artie” Reese, the NCBR Technical Director (TD), has also been the Festival TD since 1989.
The NBTF has grown exponentially in attendance, adding millions to the coffers of local W-S businesses every year. During the 2009 NBTF, I witnessed the now legendary incident of four ATMs running out of money on the same day. The empty ATMs were at The Marriott (NBTF hosting) Hotel, The Embassy Suites (across the street from the Marriott), The Convention Center (NBTF vendor’s venue), and a nearby bank. During the following 2011 Festival, ATMs were more closely monitored and replenished… so only two ran out of money.
Teentastic — a 3-day festival activities for youth
Sprinkle-Hamlin launched special Festival activities like Teentastic, a 3-day celebration of youth who get to strut their stuff in fashion shows and open mics, and closes with a celebrity concert – usually Hip Hop. Sylvia requires that most teen events have an affordable entrance fee ($3-$5) to teach them that artistic expression has a measurable worth. But not all of Sylvia’s inspirations charge. Free offerings to the public include: Blow-up jungle gyms temporarily erected in vacant lots and buildings throughout downtown W-S for small children, and painted clown faces and balloon sculptures for the kids; student film screenings; *and popular baseball and basketball tournaments, where celebrities teamed up with local youth in friendly competitions, and refreshments only cost $1/per (water, chips, hot dogs, sodas, etc).
August 1-6, 2022 — National Black Theatre Festival
The NBTF is traditionally produced every odd year, but 2021 was cancelled due to Covid-19. So the next Festival (https://visitwinstonsalem.com/NBTF/#/) is set to launch August 1-6, 2022. And it already has more reservations than had been booked in 2019. Additional awards and recognitions this year will include: the Mabel P. Robinson Emerging Artist Awards which are scholarships given to six students in three disciplines (acting, directing, and design); and The Sylvia Sprinkle Hamlin Rolling World Premier that awards an outstanding playwright with a 3-city production of their script.
Sylvia Yvonne Sprinkle-Hamlin made her transition January 3, 2022. But her light still shines and brightens the horizon for all artists who dare to dream big.
*Curtailed due to celebrity schedules and other obligations.
Angel Rising
Sylvia Sprinkle Hamlin was an Earth angel
who did God’s work and encouraged others to do the same.
She diligently and carefully lifted everyone higher
with lessons learned, and favors earned, and words that inspired.
Glimmering like a shooting star
that lights the heavens in a brilliant flicker.
That’s how her sweet smile lit up every room
with a promise to strive to make wishes come true.
Her calm, humble demeanor was sometimes mistaken
for a docile persona that could be easily shaken.
But Sylvia was a powerhouse with foresight and daring
She was gentle, but tenacious, and all about sharing.
Her life partner, Larry Leon, dreamed big dreams.
Together they made them come true, this Marvtastic team.
Sylvia continued their legend after Larry’s transition
As the faithful sentinel to her husband’s wishes.
Sylvia Yvonne Sprinkle Hamlin dropped to earth one day
causing gentle ripples that continue to reverberate.
Now she illumines and directs like a rising New Star
Promising success if for others, you raise the bar.
Perri Gaffney 2.11.22