Help rebuild our community center

Community Gathering Place in Need of Your Assistance

On Saturday, February 17, a fire broke out on the second floor of the Afrikan Poetry Theatre, Inc. located in Jamaica - Queens, New York. New York City Fire Marshalls have determined that the cause of the fire was a faulty electrical outlet. As a safety precaution, we have closed our facilities to the public and reach out to the greater community for assistance.

WHO ARE WE?

The Afrikan Poetry Theatre, Inc. is a non-profit co-founded by the late Yusef Waliyaya and the late John Watusi Branch that has been serving the Jamaica, Queens community and beyond for over 40 years. We provide a
range of cultural activities serving as a gathering place for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. We offer a safe haven for young people to socialize,
study and build skills.


OUR LOSSES

The fire has lead to serious and significant property damage and we are seeking your support to begin restoration efforts as we await a determination by our insurance company. Our immediate concerns are the removal of water, smoke and soot; the restoration of film and acting studio; and computer lab as well as upgrades to our critical building systems including fire and safety precautions and electrical networks.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We thank you in advance for your support. No matter how large or small the donation, we are grateful and ask that you share this campaign for emergency funds on to any and all that may want to help this revered community institution reopen its doors to the public.