Vernell A. Lillie, a Pitt professor emeritus of Africana Studies who cofounded Pittsburgh's Kuntu Repertory Theatre and served as its artistic director for decades, died on May 11, 2020, her 89th birthday.
Lillie cofounded the award-winning theater company in 1974 and nurtured several generations of African American students and artists. "She was the queen mother of black theater in this city," said Sala Udin, a former city council member, activist and actor.