THE ROLE OF THE AFRIKAN POETRY

THEATRE IN QUEENS IN PROMOTING

AFRICAN CULTURE
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.