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
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Sat. Aug 1st.Jamaica JAMS FestivalMAIN STAGEPerformance By:GEALLOPull Up!! #
07/30/2026

Sat. Aug 1st.
Jamaica JAMS Festival

MAIN STAGE
Performance By:
GEALLO

Pull Up!!

#

07/30/2026

Friday July 31st.
6pm-9pm
Jamaica JAMS Festival
presents..

JAMS Under The Stars

Feat Performance By:
& .only

Pull Up!!

# afrikanpoetrytheatre

Friday July 31st.6pm-9pmJamaica JAMS Festivalpresents..JAMS Under The StarsFeat Performance By:Ugandan Music Legend…Mich...
07/30/2026

Friday July 31st.
6pm-9pm
Jamaica JAMS Festival
presents..
JAMS Under The Stars

Feat Performance By:
Ugandan Music Legend…
Michael Ross Kakooza

New Single “Enjoyment”
Availabe on All Streaming Platforms

Jamaica JAMS Festival & The Afrikan PoetryTheatre, Inc. In partnership with @Cultural Collaborative Jamaica Galore Urba...
07/27/2026

Jamaica JAMS Festival
& The Afrikan PoetryTheatre, Inc.
In partnership with @
Cultural Collaborative Jamaica Galore Urban Tech &
_________________________
11Am-5Pm
Sat. Aug 1st.
Jamaica Arts & Music Festival 30th Anniversary:
168th st.- 170th st./ Jamaica Ave.
__________________________
Afrikan Poetry Theatre’s
Kids Pavilions

Pavilion 1:
- [ ] Youth Open Mic & Performance Stage (Hosted by )

With Live Performance by:
Laurissa Lane Music School


African Drumming for Children

Pavilion 2:
- [ ] Chess Tables
- [ ] VR Head Sets
- [ ] 3D Pen Art
Also Street Games:
Corn Hole &
Basketball Hoops for both Teens & Toddlers!!!

Meet and sign your children up for courses in 3D Art, Video Game Coding, Chess Classes & More…

🎭 YOUR ACTING JOURNEY STARTS HERE… FOR FREE!The Afrikan Poetry Theatre and the Coalition of Theaters of Color invite asp...
07/03/2026

🎭 YOUR ACTING JOURNEY STARTS HERE… FOR FREE!

The Afrikan Poetry Theatre and the Coalition of Theaters of Color invite aspiring actors of all experience levels to join our FREE Summer Acting Courses, facilitated by Questell (Actor | Casting Director).

Hours of immersive, hands-on training, you’ll develop the skills needed to perform with confidence through:

🎬 Scene Study
🎭 Character Development
🎤 Monologues
🎥 On-Camera Performance
🎯 Audition Techniques
🎬 Script Analysis
🤝 Professional Industry Preparation

You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from special guest instructors, respected industry professionals, and professional casting directors who will share real-world knowledge, career guidance, and insider perspectives on today’s entertainment industry.

✅ Tuition is 100% FREE.

There is no cost to participate in the acting courses.

For students who want to build professional marketing materials, we are also offering exclusive optional add-on services at deeply discounted rates, including:

📽️ Professional Acting Reel
📸 Professional Headshots
🎭 Professional Audition Recording & Evaluation
✍🏽 Custom Monologues
🎬 Additional Career Development Services

These services are completely optional, are NOT included with the free class, and are available at special discounted rates exclusively for enrolled students.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to elevate your acting career, this program provides the training, industry exposure, and professional connections to help you take the next step.

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

📧 For Registration & Information:
[email protected]
HV FILMS

🚨 Space is Limited. Register Today!




☀️ SUMMER SPECIAL IS HERE! ☀️Looking for the perfect venue this summer? Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, ...
07/01/2026

☀️ SUMMER SPECIAL IS HERE! ☀️

Looking for the perfect venue this summer? Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, baby shower, graduation party, private event, workshop, meeting, pop-up shop, rehearsal, or community gathering, the A.P.T. Annex has the space for you.

For a Limited Time Only — Through September 30

✨ Upstairs Event Hall
$800 • 4 Hours

✨ Downstairs Event Space (All White Room)
$600 • 4 Hours

Your rental includes:
✔ Tables & Chairs
✔ Spacious Layouts
✔ Sound Capability
✔ High-Speed Wi-Fi
✔ Private Restroom
✔ Flexible Setup Options

Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to host your next event at one of Jamaica, Queens’ premier cultural venues. Reserve your date before the Summer Special ends!

Contact:
[email protected]

06/22/2026
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?

Address

176-03 Jamaica Avenue
New York, NY
11432

Telephone

+17185233312

Website

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