Afrikan Culture Gala at York College

The Center for Culture, Afrikan Poetry Theatre, Inc. (APT) celebrated its 30th anniversary with a gala concert at York College Performing Arts Center in Jamaica on November 5. The assembly of nearly 400, many resplendent in traditional African garb, was treated to a variety of African-rooted music, dance and poetry.
The audience included Borough President Helen Marshall, State Assemblymember William Scarborough and City Council Majority Whip Leroy Comrie, all of whom presented congratulatory proclamations to the group.
According to APT Executive Director John Watusi Branch, &#8220The work that we do includes programs of many types besides music and dance-summer youth employment, an after-school center, trips to Africa and language classes.”
The event was invoked with a &#8220libation,” a chant and response punctuated by a sprinkling of water, conducted by Eva Keith and Yaa Andrea, members of the African Ministries. Branch then welcomed the crowd in a speech reminding them of the rich cultural heritage and ties of ancestry with Africa.
Following a brief opening video extolling the accomplishments and events of the APT, The Bill Jacobs Jazz Ensemble performed a variety of jazz and blues. Jacobs, the music director of the Performing Arts Center and an accomplished vibraphonist, led a group consisting of piano, upright bass, alto saxophone, western and African drums.
As a counterpoint to the smooth sounds of the vibraphone, 7-year-old poet Autumn Ashante dominated the stage in a recitation of her works, including one on white nationalism which caused a national furor earlier this year.
But what really rocked the house was the performance by the Asase Yaa African American Dance Theatre and the Devore Dance Company. Scores of young dancers as young as seven filled the stage, alternatively displaying native African, and tap-the dance form with Afro-Irish roots, widely considered to have emerged from the teeming slums of U.S. cities almost two centuries ago. They were accompanied by a native African percussion ensemble, and the excitement they generated shook the rafters.
The program also included poetry by a local artist, Blue, and a performance by the J-Cap Gospel Choir.
The Performance Center at York College, which seats 1050, is a relatively unknown venue outside of south Queens.
&#8220We’re one of the busiest performing arts centers in New York,” said Kwame Clarke, the production manager. &#8220We hold over 200 events a year, 62 just in June.”