According to his 2007 obit in "The New York Times," Hamlin founded the festival to unite black theater companies in America. Maya Angelou served as the first chairwoman, and together they raised $500,000 to put the idea into action. The first festival attracted more than 10,000 visitors. By 2007 the festival was drawing about 66,000.
Each festival showcases about 100 original black theater company performances in various genres. Some special performances include celebrities and Denzel Washington, Dick Gregory and Sidney Poitier are among those who have taken part in them. The festival's side projects include youth performances, film screenings, workshops, classes, poetry jams and script readings.
As of 2010, anyone wishing to submit a performance for consideration to the NBTF must be involved with a black theater company. The company has to send NBTF a formal letter that includes a DVD of the performance it plans to give and a $25 submission fee.
Participants pay $5 to $50 for each performance or event they choose to attend. The exception is an opening Gala that cost $250 per ticket in 2009.