Erma Tyree Thornton

Erma “Tyree” Thornton was born in Baltimore, Maryland and raised in the vibrant neighborhood of Spanish Harlem in New York City. Her journey in the arts began at a young age, training in dance with the legendary Baba Olatunji on 125th Street. While attending college, she performed with Morgan State University’s Dance Ensemble, further nurturing her passion for cultural expression. In 1995, Tyree became a member of Sankofa Dance Theater in Baltimore, Maryland. Later, after relocating to Georgia, she joined the dynamic all-women’s percussion ensemble Giwayen Mata, where she expanded her talents to include drumming, singing, and acting. With Giwayen Mata, she performed on celebrated stages such as Dance Africa at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and the Dallas Black Dance Theatre in Texas. Tyree is also a retired educator of 35 years, known for her creativity, dedication, and community spirit. She continues to serve by volunteering with organizations like the Good Samaritan Center, Giwayen Mata, and Soaring High under the direction of Omelika Kuumba. Now embracing a new chapter of life, Tyree enjoys exploring acting, gardening, travel, and cherishing time with her grandbabies.