New Orleans actor is behind the "Black Seed" program impacting the growth of black theater “The Black Seed is about sowing the ideas of growth. Once you plant that seed, it grows a strong tree.” Author: Paul Murphy / Eyewitness News Published: 6:41 PM CST January 22, 2021 Updated: 9:09 PM CST January 22, 2021 NEW ORLEANS — It’s been said that the theatre was created to tell people the truth about life. “The role of art is a place where we reflect on who we are, who we hope to become, what our values are,” award-winning actor Wendell Pierce said. But a lack of funding has kept many black-led theater institutions from reaching their full potential in the community.