The Afrikan Poetry Theatre (The Center For Culture)

The Afrikan Poetry Theatre (The Center For Culture) Help To Support The On Going Programs At The A.P.T. & Our plans of transforming our building into an Afrikan Cultural Palace .

Make a Tax deductible Donation, CALL:718-523-3312 www.theafrikanpoetrytheatre.org In 1977 the Afrikan Poetry Theatre became a not for profit organization . The permanent center was opened in 1978 and was located at 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, NY. The center was located in the basement of the building. The Center was located there for one year where we presented poetry readings and workshops, and

lectures on African history, etc. We presented Dr. Yosef ben-Jochanan, Dr. John Henrik Clarke, Rev. Herbert Daughtry and many others for the first time to a Queens audience

In 1979 the Theatre moved to its present location where the programs started to grow and develop. Soon youth programs were added, Jazz and African music concerts, films, weekend cultural classes for youth and a book and tape research center, the opening of our art gallery, and several other programs that community individuals presented to us and we introduced to the public. In 1987 as a result of the executive director’s travels to West Africa, The Afrikan Poetry Theatre Started its’ “Journey To The Motherland” tours, cultural and educational tours, which has re-connected hundreds of people to the motherland. In 1991 the theatre began it’s Afriquest program that organized 4 week educational programs in Ghana, West Africa for high school and college students. APT has also adopted a village in the Akuapem area of Ghana where the executive director has been enstooled, and has encouraged others such as Paul Knox (who is also enstooled) and his wife Bernita to contribute to the development of that community, bringing electricity, water, computers, supplies, etc. The Afrikan Poetry Theatre is also a co-founder of FESTAM, an international music and arts festival that takes place in Dakar, Senegal, West Africa. Where it is responsible for bringing to
Edit

06/16/2026

This was difficult to write.
Yesterday’s news was extremely devastating as we learned of the passing of a Most Beloved Elder in our Community.
In the Queens Community, and Hip Hop and Cultural Arts Community on a whole.



Rest In Power
Rest In Peace
Rest in Poetry

Many may know Danny as the Big Brother of Russell Simmons and Run of , but respectfully….

Danny Simmons is all of our Big Brother,
Hes Hip Hops Big Brother!!

I was blessed to be raised in the close proximity of such a great influential Talent.
From being a 12 year old kid bringing water to the podium during Danny’s first book release party for his book of poetry “ Songs of Kali”.
I also can remember one of, if not his first Art Exhibit at The Afrikan Poetry Theatre.

Danny was By far one of The Coolest, Flyest OG’s and Unks we know.
Fresh to Def (pun intended).
Hollis Crew lost a General.
The Ancestors gained a Warrior.

The love this man had for African Culture and Art is inspirational and he was an inspiration to me and my friends.
He helped take Poetry to a National and International Stage.
From the sparsley lit stage of The A.P.T. to Def Poetry Jam.
Danny your work will live forever.
You will never be forgotten.
You are apart of our history.
We give reverence.

Today Jamaica Queens Mourns..
Ase’ O

Video Archive Provided By:
Bob McNeil

This was difficult to write.Yesterday’s news was extremely devastating as we learned of the passing of a Most Beloved El...
06/16/2026

This was difficult to write.
Yesterday’s news was extremely devastating as we learned of the passing of a Most Beloved Elder in our Community.
In the Queens Community, and Hip Hop and Cultural Arts Community on a whole.



Rest In Power
Rest In Peace
Rest in Poetry

Many may know Danny as the Big Brother of Russell Simmons and Run of , but respectfully….

Danny Simmons is all of our Big Brother,
Hes Hip Hops Big Brother!!

I was blessed to be raised in the close proximity of such a great influential Talent.
From being a 12 year old kid bringing water to the podium during Danny’s first boom release party for his book of poetry “ Songs of Kali”.
I can remember one of if not his first Art Exhibit at The Afrikan Poetry Theatre.
By far one of The Coolest, Flyest OG’s and Unks we know. Fresh to Def (pun intended).
Hollis Crew lost a General.
The Ancestors gained a Warrior.
The love this man had for African Culture and Art is inspirational and he was an inspiration to me and my friends.
He helped take Poetry to a National and International Stage.
From the sparsley lit stage of The A.P.T. to Def Poetry Jam.
Danny your work will live forever.
You will never be forgotten.
You are apart of our history.
We give reverence.
Ase’ O

06/14/2026

We love to see it! This phenomenal group of one hundred classical musicians gathered from twenty different cities to show the world the depth of Black instrumental talent. Every single ticket for their debut performance sold out in less than forty-five minutes, setting a historic record for the iconic venue. The program featured original compositions blending traditional African rhythms with classical European symphonic arrangements. Who else wishes they had a front-row seat to this history-making night?

🎧 OPEN AUX REMIXED 🎧Tonight we bring producers, artists, singers, rappers, DJs, and music lovers together for a night of...
06/14/2026

🎧 OPEN AUX REMIXED 🎧

Tonight we bring producers, artists, singers, rappers, DJs, and music lovers together for a night of networking, collaboration, and competition at the A.P.T. Annex.

🔥 PRODUCER SHOWCASE
Every producer gets the opportunity to play up to 6 beats.

🎤 RAPPERS & SINGERS WELCOME
Perform your records, freestyle, test new music, and connect directly with producers looking for talent.

💰 OPTIONAL BEAT BATTLE
$15 Entry Fee

🏆 Guaranteed $100 Cash Prize

🎧 Judged by Jimi Kendrix

BATTLE ROUNDS:
▪️ Boom Bap
▪️ Trap
▪️ R&B
▪️ Producer’s Choice
▪️ Wild Card Finals

🍔 Burgers
🍟 Fries
🥤 Drinks Available

📍 A.P.T. Annex
172-18 Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11432

🕕 Doors Open 6PM

FREE ADMISSION with RSVP Code

This isn’t just a beat battle.

It’s a chance to build relationships, discover new talent, showcase your music, and become part of the culture.

Tag a producer.
Tag a rapper.
Tag a singer.

See you tonight.

06/14/2026

🎧 OPEN AUX REMIXED 🎧

Tonight we bring producers, artists, singers, rappers, DJs, and music lovers together for a night of networking, collaboration, and competition at the A.P.T. Annex.

🔥 PRODUCER SHOWCASE
Every producer gets the opportunity to play up to 6 beats.

🎤 RAPPERS & SINGERS WELCOME
Perform your records, freestyle, test new music, and connect directly with producers looking for talent.

💰 OPTIONAL BEAT BATTLE
$15 Entry Fee

🏆 Guaranteed $100 Cash Prize

🎧 Judged by Jimi Kendrix

BATTLE ROUNDS:
▪️ Boom Bap
▪️ Trap
▪️ R&B
▪️ Producer’s Choice
▪️ Wild Card Finals

🍔 Burgers
🍟 Fries
🥤 Drinks Available

📍 A.P.T. Annex
172-18 Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11432

🕕 Doors Open 6PM

FREE ADMISSION with RSVP Code

This isn’t just a beat battle.

It’s a chance to build relationships, discover new talent, showcase your music, and become part of the culture.

Tag a producer.
Tag a rapper.
Tag a singer.

See you tonight.

🎧 OPEN AUX REMIXED 🎧Tonight we bring producers, artists, singers, rappers, DJs, and music lovers together for a night of...
06/14/2026

🎧 OPEN AUX REMIXED 🎧

Tonight we bring producers, artists, singers, rappers, DJs, and music lovers together for a night of networking, collaboration, and competition at the A.P.T. Annex.

🔥 PRODUCER SHOWCASE
Every producer gets the opportunity to play up to 6 beats.

🎤 RAPPERS & SINGERS WELCOME
Perform your records, freestyle, test new music, and connect directly with producers looking for talent.

💰 OPTIONAL BEAT BATTLE
$15 Entry Fee

🏆 Guaranteed $100 Cash Prize

🎧 Judged by Jimi Kendrix

BATTLE ROUNDS:
▪️ Boom Bap
▪️ Trap
▪️ R&B
▪️ Producer’s Choice
▪️ Wild Card Finals

🍔 Burgers
🍟 Fries
🥤 Drinks Available

📍 A.P.T. Annex
172-18 Jamaica Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11432

🕕 Doors Open 6PM

FREE ADMISSION with RSVP Code

This isn’t just a beat battle.

It’s a chance to build relationships, discover new talent, showcase your music, and become part of the culture.

Tag a producer.
Tag a rapper.
Tag a singer.

See you tonight.

INDUSTRY THURSDAYS @ THE ANNEX📍 A.P.T. Annex172-18 Jamaica Ave.Jamaica, NY 11432An RSVP-only entertainment industry netw...
06/06/2026

INDUSTRY THURSDAYS @ THE ANNEX

📍 A.P.T. Annex
172-18 Jamaica Ave.
Jamaica, NY 11432

An RSVP-only entertainment industry networking mixer designed for professionals and creatives across film, television, music, and media.

Enjoy a focused, lounge-style environment built for real connection:
• Curated music (conversation-friendly)
• Cuisine & beverages
• Intentional networking

🎙 Live Recorded Podcast Experience
Featuring in-depth interviews with industry professionals, sharing real journeys, insights, and decision-making processes in front of a studio audience.

Episode 1:
Delson Halloway

…Interviews

Kevin Chiles


Chris Gotti



Master of Ceromony:
Susan Hampstead


No overcrowding. No distractions. Just access and opportunity.

🕕 Programming: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Admission:
$25 General (RSVP Required)
$50 VIP (Reserved Seating)

RSVP:
[email protected]


Reserve A Seat Now!
Space is limited.

Industry Thursdays Annex

06/05/2026

THE ORIGINAL OPEN AUX

RETURNS TO QUEENS WITH A $500 PRODUCER CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZE!!

Sign Up Here:

https://partiful.com/e/E1u2FjZMDlD1lw1b4D0N?c=DgU1fh_N

curated by Starz Only and
presents The Original Open Aux Producer Beat Battle.
A live competition showcasing talented producers from New York City and beyond.
Producers will compete for cash prizes, recognition, and bragging rights.

ENTRY FEE: $65
GRAND PRIZE: $500 CASH

Each registered producer receives a promo code that gives supporters $5 off admission while earning the producer $5 per ticket.

Sign Up Now:

Space is limited.
Early registration is encouraged.

https://partiful.com/e/E1u2FjZMDlD1lw1b4D0N?c=DgU1fh_N

THE ORIGINAL OPEN AUX
Where Producers Become Champions.
Special Judge:�Multi-Platinum Grammy-Nominated Producer Jimi Kendrix


Winner chosen by Audience.
Audience Admission: $25

Audience members can sign up for The Open Aux Session!!
Rappers are encouraged to take the mic and sout verses live over Open Aux Beats!!

Bring your verses.
Bring your laptops.
Bring your beat machines.

THE ORIGINAL OPEN AUX RETURNS TO QUEENS WITH A $500 PRODUCER CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZE!!Sign Up Here:https://partiful.com/e/E1u...
06/05/2026

THE ORIGINAL OPEN AUX

RETURNS TO QUEENS WITH A $500 PRODUCER CHAMPIONSHIP PRIZE!!

Sign Up Here:

https://partiful.com/e/E1u2FjZMDlD1lw1b4D0N?c=DgU1fh_N

curated by Starz Only and
presents The Original Open Aux Producer Beat Battle.
A live competition showcasing talented producers from New York City and beyond.
Producers will compete for cash prizes, recognition, and bragging rights.

ENTRY FEE: $65
GRAND PRIZE: $500 CASH

Each registered producer receives a promo code that gives supporters $5 off admission while earning the producer $5 per ticket.

Sign Up Now:

Space is limited.
Early registration is encouraged.

https://partiful.com/e/E1u2FjZMDlD1lw1b4D0N?c=DgU1fh_N

THE ORIGINAL OPEN AUX
Where Producers Become Champions.
Special Judge:�Multi-Platinum Grammy-Nominated Producer Jimi Kendrix


Winner chosen by Audience.
Audience Admission: $25

Audience members can sign up for The Open Aux Session!!
Rappers are encouraged to take the mic and sout verses live over Open Aux Beats!!

Bring your verses.
Bring your laptops.
Bring your beat machines.

Today!!Produce & Pantry atApt Annexw/ Jamaica Community Partnership
05/27/2026

Today!!
Produce & Pantry at
Apt Annex
w/ Jamaica Community Partnership



Address

176-03 Jamaica Avenue
New York, NY
11432

Telephone

+17185233312

Website

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