For many Harlem residents, the Apollo Theater is not just a staple for the community, it’s a staple for Black culture.

“It’s the pride of Harlem,” said Harlem resident Michael Lewis.

“A lot of times we don’t connect with our roots, the people that paved the way for us. It helps me connect to all the people that came through," said Harlem resident Adrienne Knight.

On Friday, the theater celebrated 90 years of performers like Billie Holiday, Luther Vandross and Lauryn Hill taking the stage. Many of them launched their careers in Harlem at the theater’s famous Amateur Night.

Executive producer Kamilah Forbes said the theater is not only a symbol for Black culture, but is part of the fabric of American history.

“This theater became a home, not only for African Americans, not only for performers on the stage but also for the audience, because in 1934 theaters were still segregated in New York City,” Forbes said.

The theater’s audience doesn’t have a problem telling you if they like you or not, often booing performers.

“You need to be ready because folks come ready to boo. But also, they come equally to give love,” Forbes said.

Forbes said the venue isn’t going anywhere, in fact it’s expanding a couple doors down to the Victoria Theater.

In addition to its roster of adult performers, the venue has also added youth programs to continue producing homegrown talent, not only on stage but also behind-the-scenes with its Apollo Theater Academy.

“We’re training folks to be producers, technicians, lighting designers, sound designers, everything behind- the-scenes to hopefully run all this in the next generation,” Forbes said.

The next generation will likely be seen taking photos outside, so they too can say they’ve been to the iconic venue.

The 90th season of Amateur Night begins in February and runs through November.