Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center

I have been living in Dallas for a few years and this black owned business was on my list to explore. Walking in, I was blown away by all the beautiful African pieces (i.e. art, masks, furniture, rugs, jewelry) It was truly breath taking. Also, the number of African American books showcasing history, culture, food, poetry, etc. was extensive. Secondly, the owner has a wide range of soaps, incense, oils, etc. In addition, to several black empowered and owned shirts, hoodies, etc. Lastly, the highlight was the reading corner, there was a lady reading a children's book to the kids. If you have not been before go support! Definitely a GEM!

Pan African Connection is an absolute gem in the Dallas Fort Worth area! This bookstore is a beloved staple of the community steeped in rich historical significance that makes it truly unique. The selection of African art, clothing, jewelry, artifacts and literature is vast and impressive. The books—oh my goodness!—range from classic texts and contemporary works to rare essentials that celebrate and educate about the beauty of African culture. What truly sets Pan African Connection apart is not just its incredible inventory but also the vibrant cultural activities they host. From book signings and plant cultivation classes to African dance workshops, kids' activities and community events, there’s always something enriching happening in this welcoming space. They even host a weekly drum circle and a Susu Market which allows local artisans to showcase and sell their products. It’s a true hub for cultural exchange and education making it a must-visit for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of African heritage. The owners are extraordinary; knowledgeable, kind and nurturing. They are always ready to share insights and recommendations creating an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family. Their passion for promoting African culture and community shines through in everything they do. If you’re in the DFW area, I highly recommend visiting Pan African Connection. It’s more than just a bookstore; it’s a vital part of our community that fosters connection, understanding and appreciation for African culture. Stop by—you’ll be so glad you did!

Excellent variety of books on the history of Africa and enslaved Africans in America and the diaspora. An enormous inventory of African art and clothing. All natural shea butter, black soap and other skin care and hygiene products from the motherland. African drum and dance classes. I love this place and the staff.

Love this store, feels like you're at an establishment that cares about you. They are friendly and courteous and actually want to know what you're looking for. My Husband, Son and I never come out empty handed. Something for everyone 💜💜💜

Love this place. The vibes, the service, the love. Me and my girl will be back asap.

Houstonian here. I've been a supporter for at least the last 5 years, but I've never been to Dallas let alone this store. All of my purchases have been online up until recently. I visited Dallas for my birthday weekend and you better believe this place was #1 on my list. My lady and I stopped by this past Saturday (01.20.24) and had an amazing experience. I was like a kid in a candy store. I watched my lady get fitted for waist beads, which meant a lot for me to witness her in her element. Although I bought a lot that day, we went back the next day (before heading back home to Houston) and bought even more books and other things. I will definitely be back! It's a family vibe there. ♥️🖤💚

It feels like coming home to the motherland every time I come here. I truly love the ambience of the store and all the beauty pieces of art I just wish I could take them all home. I love everything about this store and I'm glad there is something like this in the community for our people.

I hate to have to give Pan African Connection a 1. I was all excited and was looking forward to performing on 05/14th for the Mental Health program and had a lot of people who was also coming out. I got ready and on my way something told me to call. I'm glad I did because I found out that it was cancelled. I talked to one of the employees there who told me that the host cancelled three hours before the event that is very bad business. I am still waiting on my refund. The woman who I spoke with on last Wednesday and Sunday was going to reach out to the host Aisha. She indicated if I didn't get it from Aisha. She would refund it back to me. She never took any of my information here today is Tuesday and not a word. I will not be attending any other events there the sad part about it is that was going to be my first time because I heard so many good things about Pan African Connection. I am not blaming them. I just don't trust paying I'm afraid it maybe another cancellation.

Why haven't you been yet? The atmosphere is lovely. The customer service is on point, you feel like you met a friend. It is a gem if you ask me. They specialize in books on history, and health. The African Art gallery is beautiful. They also offer clothing and had HBCU shirts. My only suggestion get some Talladega and Tuskegee shirt I ended up buying some incense, an African chew stick as well as some oils. I would recommend you come see them.

This place is wonderful. Lots of high quality items to choose from. I was pleasantly surprised

An amazing experience! A store where you can learn culture and history while purchasing some authentic goodies.

I discovered this hidden gem in South Dallas today bursting with African culture. From books to sculptures, jewelry, clothing, raw Shea Butter and so much more. You really need to experience it to appreciate all that it is.

I love love love this place! There is NO place before you get to Houston that has this big of a selection. The owner, Akwete is such a gentle, humble, and sweet spirit. If you need a tutor, she's got one. You need sea moss, she's got it. You need a book, she's got a few of those (he-he) and if you need advice, well she's got that too. She is a walking living breathing resource who is willing to share information. This place is more than a book store. Its a community center that serves the community with free foods, karate, drumming, dance, lectures, etc. There are beautiful gallery quality sculptures, artifacts, fabrics, clothing, jewelry, health & beauty items, oils, books, and seasonal items. I've driven 100 miles round trip to bring my boy to the drumming group and to purchase fresh squeezed juice from the juiceman. Today I was on the hunt for a kinara and after searching amazon and not finding what I wanted, I called Akwete. Of course she had them and a pretty good selection to choose from. I was already in Dallas so this time I wasn't too far away. Everything needed for a Kwanza celebration is in stock. The only thing this place needs is a really good restaurant or coffee/smoothie/bakery counter. There is something about this place that just makes me feel good!

A real connection to many lands in Africa. Good prices for art and jewelry from Ghana, Benin, Kenya and all over. Books, clothing, sea moss, or a foot stool it's all here.

Amazing amazing hospitality and beautiful people. Everyone that cross my path in this beautiful establishment spoke to me and my husband. They were extremely friendly and helpful with any questions that I had although it's quite a drive for me to get there because of their hospitality I have no issue driving there whenever I need anything from the store. I was able to get my sage, some African jewelry and apparel that I'm completely satisfied with. I can't wait to go back.

Beautiful spot for art and books reflecting the African diaspora. Today, I came in for my first yoga experience with my sister from another mister, and I'm here to tell ya, don't sleep. A full hour of movement with no impact whatsoever, what a workout of body parts which I forgot existed. The goodness of God is great!

I wish I could give them more than 5 stars. I also wish they had a store closer to me. When I do get a chance to visit, I enjoy looking at all the books and items. They always have what I am looking for and do awesome things for the community. Keep up the good work

All African American should support this community story .please take out your time of day and visit this wonderful educational story

There is no where to begin or end when it comes to the store. The beauty shown from inside of the owner's heart shines throughout the building, bouncing off of every statue and vibrating through every piece of cloth that you see. This is definitely a Community Haven that I am so thankful to experience. Everyone should go read the history of the store to see why the community is so lucky to have a woman like the owner as a pillar in our community. They offer everything from clothing, incense, shea butter, all types of beauty products, statues, jewelry, books ( that are organized from infant all the way to men and women self-help books) a theate, art gallery and so much more. It is truly an experience in itself. Also check their website to see different activities and events going on, there is always something! For sure I know every Sunday they have drum circles that are FREE, you just show up and listen. I've seen everything offered from yoga, Financial classes, to art classes. So thankful for them!

They give back to the community and have great Africa pieces! I alway purchase Shea butter, black soap, and African waist beads Would recommend to anyone!

I simply Love this place! The African culture, their outreach, their resources, the friendly people there, the art!!!!! Very chill place for all ethnic groups and both genders..... LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!!

2016 Yelp 100 Challenge Review #81 I came across this store because it is the generous host of a weekly, donation-based Swahili class that I attend from time to time. They seem to host a variety of classes. I saw an African belly dance class starting up one day which seemed to be very interesting. I like that they have so many different classes all rooted in African culture. I am curious to learn more about the different options that have available. They have a great space to be able to have enough room to accommodate these different classes. I would like to learn more about the store and its purpose. Pan-African means of or relating to all people of African birth or descent. This store tags itself as a bookstore, art gallery and resource center. It offers things from home decor, like paintings and wood work to jewelry and books and more. The prices range from a few dollars all the way to thousands. I got a chance to really browse through their intriguing selections. I would imagine nearly all if not all of these art gallery items and collectibles are straight from the mother land. There seems to be a great variety and a great pricing variety as well. I purchased a copper or was it brass trio set of See/Hear/Speak no evil monkeys. They are a gift to my Mom. She loved them! I also got some jewelry for myself including earrings and necklaces. I also got two bundles of sage. I haven't smudged in a while. They offer beauty items like raw black soap, raw shea butter and salt deodorant and more. They have a book collection from kids to fiction to nonfiction. They often have a DVD playing of some educational value to the black community. I often found myself stopping and listening in between browsing. I plan to return for some of the classes they host here. I am very excited about this store. It is located off of Ann Arbor and Marsalis off of I-35 in South Oak Cliff. It is apart of a shopping center so there is always plenty of parking. It is in the very back corner. Every time I go, I am greeted with a smile. I look forward to future visits to Pan-African Connection. Highly recommended. I love this store and its purpose - I walk away happy that I am giving my money to a black owned business who seeks to promote pride and empowerment within the Pan-African community. I walk away feeling more prideful and embracing my culture more and more. It's a beautiful thing!

Very sorry established!! Been in the community over 4 decades and all you have to offer is a flea market...Get rid of those old elders they get offended when any new ideas come around. Shame on yall

On March 19, I contacted this store to purchase 25lb Shea butter box, spoke to a lady and was told the price is $87.50. On Wednesday May 27, contacted the store (called and texted), spoke to a lady again and she advised the price is the same $87.50 When went to purchase the next day, my card was swiped for $100 instead of the price given. This is part of the reason why is it hard for people to support 'black businesses'. You can not charge a different amount after you have provided the cost to a customer. This is a business that charges what they feel at the time and changes the price after they've told you a price. While there, a customer inquired on a price and the woman said $300, then after further review of past conversations between her and that customer, she changes to say "oh I told her $250, charge her $250 then. Smh They did a bait and switch type of deal. BAD BUSINESS. Always stay professional and hold your integrity to keep your word on the prices you give to customers. First & Last time here. I do not recommend this place and will not support Pan African Connection again.

One of my favorite places in the world! Please note, they have relocated. Very cultural with so many rare offerings. I picked up 3 books that I've been looking for for months. Great customer service and just the environment my soul has been craving. This will be a regular spot for me

New location. In the shopping center on the corner of Ann Arbor & Marsalis. This store is a great resources for Black culture. I've shopped here for jewelry, books, and gifts.

Great find! This local bookstore had a variety of masks, statues and pieces that represents a variety of African countries.

I visited the Pan-African Connection yesterday to participate in the Juneteenth Bike Ride event. The staff members were great. I purchased a book that I've had my eye on for a while now and very pleased with the overall experience and service. I will be visiting again!

Amazing atmosphere, simply exceptionally establishment. Very rich in African culture, but aware and honor all people! Such an astute staff with easy navigation through store, very open minded individuals the heart of the community in mind. A must visit!

Very wonderful and open atmosphere. They offer more then just shopping, it's an experience and a journey. You can participate in African dancing. They Hebe an assortment of clothing pieces. Their book selection is vast. The prices for she's butter and natural soaps are very reasonable and affordable.

LOVE this joint! They have all the "grooming" natural products I've been looking for ever since I moved to Dallas. The art in this store is culturally organic, jewelry, apparel, handbags/backpacks, I just love it all. They even have a book nook in the back with rare, hard to find books. I'm definitely going back for more products.

This is such an inviting and welcoming space. The staff was helpful and the quality of these rare items was amazing. Support black business

Just came from my first visit to this store and I will definitely be back. Their book collection along with their artwork, shirts, and jewelry is all a sight to see. The lady who was working was very friendly and did not follow me around like some stores will do. Very pleased with my visit and I will be back in the near future.

I absolutely love this place! The staff here was very helpful and friendly. The decor is an added plus. The overall vibe and scenery was amazing. You can find all sorts of cool stuff here or just hang out and read for a while. This shop regularly hosts fun classes and events. It's truly a gem for the community it represents.

What a gem!!! Pan-African Express is an amazing store with items you won't find anywhere else in the metroplex. The shop owner and the employees are over the top accommodating. That alone is rare, so when you factor in the African antiquities, fine art, home decor and gifts, you could just browsed forever! Think Urban Outfitters only higher quality and lower prices. I was over the moon excited to find a mud cloth tapestry to hang in my living room. The gorgeous gold earrings and shea butter were a happy bonus :) The day I went they even had an essential oils class and there is a spa onsite. Wonderful store, stop by and visit and you won't regret it.

Sis. Akwete is the loving Queen I know , and the Pan-Afrikan Connection has been a pillar in the community for so years , I buy books , Documentary films , art , instruments , clothing , even my chew sticcs . Great place for learn heritage .

You may come in for one thing or event and wind up staying the entire day.

This store is ABSOLUTELY amazing!!! I had no idea what to get being its my first time in here and I was kind of bummed but ecstatic at the same time! From all the jewelry to the library to the soaps and incense ... I COULD LIVE HERE!! I will definitely be back!!

This place is as good as it gets for the culture. I love the art, jewelry, and the books. I love everything about it.

This place is amazing!!! The energy is so welcoming and the staff is so warm and knowledgable. I recommend this place if you are looking for African art and other items. I flew in from Fort Lauderdale and not expecting to find any African art. The lectures were wonderful it really felt like we were all family. You can really get a since of African culture here. There needs to be more places like Pan African Connection!!!

Nice to have a hub in the community where people of african descent can come together and learn about their african culture and history.