Established in 1976 by co-founders John Watusi Branch[1] and Yusef Waliyaya, the theatre has been stationed at its current location, 176th Street & Jamaica Avenue, since 1979.
Under Branch's direction, the theater expanded to offer cultural and educational tours to West Africa and developed a summer youth employment program.
Branch was a respected and well-known figure in the pan-African movement to establish independence for African nations and unify black people across the world.
The Theatre presents a roster of wide-ranging cultural activities of interest to its largely African-American constituents, including music performances, lectures and workshops for aspiring filmmakers, actors, poets and writers of all ages.
Widely acclaimed activities include: Local newspaper Queens Teens Voices has operated out of APT since 2000.