Kwanzaa Celebration In Jamaica Queens

January 3, 2010. The Afrikan Poetry Society sponsored a free viewing of the now famous Kwanzaa film entitled 'The Black Candle'. The film is a documentary about the origins of Kwanzaa in the U.S. and around the world. The film shows how African Americans began to reconstruct their culture following four centuries of enslavement and discrimination in this country. The celebration contains many universal guidelines to be used by groups, even nations, struggling to regain their lost freedoms and self-direction. There are lessons in this film for everyone.

Irie Jamboree Reggae Rocks

Jamaica / September 7, 2009. The seventh annual Irie Jamboree rocked Queens this past Sunday. There were some twenty of the top reggae musicians from all over the country and Caribbean who came to play at this increasingly popular concert. Thousands of Queens residents flocked to the concert to enjoy a great day of warm sun, great music and delicious food. The concert was held on the York College Campus in the Jamaica section of Queens ['Jamaica' does seem like a fitting place for a reggae concert]. Spice is shown on the big screen at the Jam. Click here to view a full report and Irie Jamboree 2009 photos. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.

Metro Poles: Art In Action

Art Exhibit Resonates In Community

Jamaica / January 17, 2009. Metro Poles: Art In Action was a 'live exhibit' sponsored by JCAL and other city art cultural organizations. The exhibit was the brainchild of Heng-Gil, the artistic director [check both name and title for final draft] of JCAL.

We made three visits to this exhibit in an effort to better understand it, as when we first covered the story it was a bit unclear as to exactly what the idea was and how the artists would develop it. It turned out to be something of an experience for us and in the end we became a part of the exhibit itself.

Click here to read the rest of the story, including many more photos of Metro Poles: Art In Action at JCAL in Jamaica Queens.

Afrikan Poetry Theater

Cultural Center In Jamaica Queens

Jamaica Queens / January 20, 2009. I had the opportunity to visit the Afrikan Poetry Theater on Inauguration Day 2009. I had long been curious to visit the theater, having heard so much about its community cultural programs which include jazz, poetry readings, lectures, discussions and authentic African cuisine.

John Watusi [left] is the Executive Director of the theater and the following story is an introduction to the theater as told by John who is one of its founders.

The theater started in the seventies, in the aftermath of the social unrest, as African Americans sought to re-establish themselves as members of the American community of immigrants. Part of that movement included delving into their ethnic past in an effort to better understand cultural heritage. The mission of the theater is to educate and entertain the Jamaica and Queens community about African Americans' roots. Click here to read more about the Afrikan Poetry Society in Jamaica NY

Jakk Restaurant

Queens Village / January 20, 2009. Jakk Restaurant was recommended as a place to find real African continential cuisine. Being the venturesome sort, I set out to have a real African meal.

Jakk is a five to ten minute car ride from Jamaica Queens as well as the Belmont Race Track. By public transit it's a bit longer as you have to wait for the bus.

The restaurant sports a modest store front, largely indistinguishable from its neighboring stores. Click here to read a the full review of Jakk - authentic African Restaurant in Jamaica Queens, including many more photos.