Located in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, the African Poetry Theatre offers a variety of cultural, entertainment, and social programs. All who desire to deepen their connection with African culture should come here. The institution’s name is slightly misleading, as it offers much more than poetry and theatrical performances. It is a resource center where people may learn, share ideas, and develop. Learn more at queens-trend.
HISTORY
The African Poetry Theatre, formally known as the Center for Culture: Afrikan Poetry Theatre, Inc., was founded in 1976 by John Watusi Branch and Yusef Waliyaya. Initially, the institution served as a gathering place for poets, singers, and musicians engaged in jazz, funk, African rhythms, and poetry.
John Watusi Branch was a respected and well-known figure in the pan-African movement for the independence of African nations and the unification of black people around the world. This was a person who was deeply committed to theater and empowering people. He authored several books about Africa, including “Through the Door of No Return” and “Journey to the Motherland”. Branch died in 2012, at the age of 70. On December 23, he fell into a coma after suffering a heart attack, and he was taken off life support five days later. In 2017, a junction in Queens was named in honor of the cultural figure.
The opening of the African Poetry Theatre was quite difficult due to the lack of funding. In 1979, the theater relocated from its original location on Merrick Boulevard location to Jamaica Avenue. The building’s purpose was later expanded to include cultural education and opportunities for self-expression for young people. In March 2002, a fire destroyed most of the second floor, where African artifacts and books were stored.
DIVERSE PROGRAM
Owing to its diverse range of programs, the African Poetry Theatre serves multiple purposes. The organization encourages social change. In addition to performances, the theater offers language classes, seminars, handicrafts, music, dance, and martial arts. In the mid-1980s, the management began organizing group trips to Africa. Also, Branch developed a summer youth employment program.
The events of the African Poetry Theatre are aimed primarily at African Americans. Musical performances, lectures, and master classes for cinematographers, actors, poets, and writers are available for people of all ages.
Tours to Africa, acting courses, cinema workshops, jazz jam sessions (in which performers, usually instrumentalists, play improvised solos), film festivals, poetry collections, and Kwanzaa are particularly popular. There are also makeup and beauty classes, book writing workshops, open mic nights, drum and piano lessons, and art exhibitions. Throughout its history, the theater has fed and clothed thousands of Southeast Queens citizens through the APT Cares Day/Thanksgiving Day program. Many distinguished African-American scientists who shared their knowledge of African heritage delivered lectures here.
It was here that Kwanzaa, an annual celebration of African-American culture that runs from December 26 to January 1, was held for the first time in Queens. It was founded by activist Maulana Karenga based on the traditions of the African Harvest Festival. Millions of Americans celebrate Kwanzaa every year.
The African Poetry Theatre works to improve the quality of life for African Americans in Southeast Queens and throughout New York City. Its walls are covered with photographs of people associated with the theater in the past and present. Another wall is adorned with African masks, while the other is covered in postcards advertising cultural events. It is impossible to pass through the institution and not feel a powerful feeling of African pride.
