Afrikan Poetry Theatre

The Afrikan Poetry Theatre: The Center for Culture or, for short, The Afrikan Poetry Theatre is a community-based cultural institution located in Jamaica, Queens in New York City . Established in 1976 by co-founders John Watusi Branch and Yusef Waliyaya, the theatre has been stationed at its current location, 176th Street & Jamaica Avenue, since 1979.

The Afrikan Poetry Theatre has been a host to several educational programs, cultural programs, and showcases for the arts in Southeastern Queens. On November 5, 2006, the Theatre celebrated its thirtieth anniversary, where Queens Borough President, Helen Marshall declared the day “Afrikan Poetry Theatre” day.

Currently, the Afrikan Poetry Theatre is subject to begin renovations in the Spring of 2007.