The story
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 Ensemble, the progenitor to the theater, was co-founded by the late Yusef Waliyaya and the late John Watusi Branch, in 1976 as a collection of poets, singers and musicians focused on jazz, funk, African rhythms and poetry.
The Afrikan Poetry Theatre was incorporated in 1977 and found a home on Merrick Boulevard the following year. It moved to its current location, at 176-03 Jamaica Ave., in 1979.
On March 31, 2002, an electrical fire damaged much of the second floor, including a small collection of African artifacts and books.
On November 5, 2006, the theatre celebrated its thirtieth anniversary, where Queens Borough President, Helen Marshall declared the day “Afrikan Poetry Theatre” day.
After the passing of his father, Saiku Branch, son of co-founder, was named executive director.
On June 25 of 2016, the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 176th Street in Jamaica, Queens was named John Watusi Branch Way.
Currently, the Afrikan Poetry Theatre is subject to begin renovations on a state of the art facility.
From Wikipedia’s article on Afrikan Poetry Theatre, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.3