Since 1984, The Black Lady Theatre has been home to activism and the arts, and now its future is up in the air.

The city marshal locked the doors of the Crown Heights theatre and seized the property. According to city records, it was purchased in a foreclosure sale last February.

"We were never notified of this supposed sale. Government agencies denied us the opportunity to defend ourselves and our property," said owner Omar Hardy.

The theatre's leaders say its founder, Judge John Phillips Jr., entrusted them with the property before he died in 2008. City records don't show that paper trail.

With nowhere left to turn, the theatre's supporters say they vow to continue fighting for what they say is a vital part of the community.

News 12 reached out to the buyer of the property on multiple phone numbers but was unable to reach him.

A woman at one of the numbers did pick up, but hung up when News 12 asked to leave a message.