Dallas, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The Pan-African Connection Bookstore, Art Gallery and Resource Center in Dallas is combating book bans and cultural erasure by providing literature and cultural items often excluded from mainstream channels. Owner Akwete Tyehimba has operated the store for nearly 37 years, offering diverse perspectives through literature, art, and community engagement. With rising book bans, the store serves as an alternative for access to vital narratives reflecting Black experiences, emphasizing the importance of supporting independent bookstores for freedom of expression.
Dallas. The Pan-African Connection Bookstore, Art Gallery and Resource Center is actively resisting book bans and efforts that organizers say lead to cultural erasure by keeping literature and cultural items accessible to the local community. The bookstore combines retail, gallery space and community-facing resources to prioritize stories and histories that are often excluded from mainstream channels.
What is happening now
Akwete Tyehimba, owner of Pan-African Connection Bookstore, Art Gallery and Resource Center, has been operating for nearly 37 years. The store’s long-term presence in the neighborhood positions it as a local institution focused on representation and historical access.
The bookstore is dedicated to providing literature by and about Black people and cultures that are often excluded from the mass market. In the current environment of increased challenges to school and library collections, the store is presented by its operators as an alternative source for banned or contested material, and as a place where local readers can find diverse perspectives.
Key supporting details
A report from PEN America indicated that during the 2023-2024 school year, 36% of banned titles featured characters of color, with 25% containing LGBTQ+ characters. Graphic and illustrated titles are particularly affected, with 73% featuring LGBTQ+ representation or discussions of race/racism. Those statistics are cited by the bookstore as part of the broader context motivating community action to preserve access to diverse works.
The bookstore not only sells books but also features African carvings, clothing, art, jewelry, oils, and cosmetics. While books are the biggest sellers at the store, Tyehimba notes that they do not generate significant profit. Other products like shea butter and health goods help sustain the business financially.
She manages the bookstore with the help of her three grown children, after retiring from a position at Delta Airlines when her husband, Bandele Tyehimba, passed away in 2012. The operation relies on a combination of product sales, community events and volunteer support to remain open.
Community role and outreach
The community’s support is crucial, and Tyehimba mentions a loyal base that helps keep the bookstore running. The store positions itself as both a retail outlet and a community resource center, hosting displays, cultural items and literature intended to reflect local and diasporic Black experiences.
Operators encourage patrons to support local bookstores as one way to uphold freedom of expression and broaden access to literature that faces challenges in institutional settings. The store welcomes the growth of independent bookstores, noting that small, local shops can connect with the community and serve as alternatives to censored school libraries.
Location and contact
The Pan-African Connection is located at 4466 S Marsalis Ave., and they can be contacted at 214-943-8262. The location functions as a combined retail and cultural space with hours and programming that reflect community needs.
Background
National reporting and nonprofit analyses on book bans and challenges show a recent rise in removed or restricted titles in school and public systems. The PEN America data cited above highlights trends in the kinds of books most frequently targeted, including those that center characters of color and LGBTQ+ themes, as well as illustrated and graphic works.
Local independent bookstores such as the Pan-African Connection serve as complementary outlets that can maintain inventories outside institutional constraints. Operators and community members cite access to historical and cultural narratives as a tool for education and for resisting erasure of marginalized identities.
FAQ
How long has Akwete Tyehimba been operating the Pan-African Connection Bookstore?
Akwete Tyehimba, owner of Pan-African Connection Bookstore, Art Gallery and Resource Center, has been operating for nearly 37 years.
What is the bookstore’s mission?
The bookstore is dedicated to providing literature by and about Black people and cultures that are often excluded from the mass market.
What do recent reports say about banned titles?
A report from PEN America indicated that during the 2023-2024 school year, 36% of banned titles featured characters of color, with 25% containing LGBTQ+ characters.
Are graphic and illustrated titles affected?
Graphic and illustrated titles are particularly affected, with 73% featuring LGBTQ+ representation or discussions of race/racism.
What else does the bookstore sell besides books?
The bookstore not only sells books but also features African carvings, clothing, art, jewelry, oils, and cosmetics.
Do books generate the most profit for the store?
While books are the biggest sellers at the store, Tyehimba notes that they do not generate significant profit.
How does the store sustain itself financially?
Other products like shea butter and health goods help sustain the business financially.
Who manages the bookstore?
She manages the bookstore with the help of her three grown children, after retiring from a position at Delta Airlines when her husband, Bandele Tyehimba, passed away in 2012.
How important is community support?
The community’s support is crucial, and Tyehimba mentions a loyal base that helps keep the bookstore running.
Where is the Pan-African Connection located?
The Pan-African Connection is located at 4466 S Marsalis Ave., and they can be contacted at 214-943-8262.
Store at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Owner / Operator | Akwete Tyehimba (operating for nearly 37 years) |
| Primary focus | Literature by and about Black people and cultures |
| Top sellers | Books (biggest sellers, not significant profit) |
| Complementary products | African carvings, clothing, art, jewelry, oils, cosmetics, shea butter, health goods |
| Management | Managed with help of three grown children |
| Location | 4466 S Marsalis Ave. |
| Contact | 214-943-8262 |
| Relevant data | During the 2023-2024 school year, 36% of banned titles featured characters of color; 25% contained LGBTQ+ characters; 73% of graphic/illustrated titles featured LGBTQ+ representation or discussions of race/racism. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Deep Vellum Bookstore Expands Focus on Literature
Additional Resources
- Dallas Observer: Ayahuasca Super Club
- Dallas Observer: Members Only Supper Club – October 8
- Dallas Observer: The Oxford Rose Tavern and Supper Club
- Google Search: Book Bans
- Dallas Observer: Most Romantic Restaurants in Dallas
- Wikipedia: LGBT Rights in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
