Keep Pan African Connection Open
Donation protected
Who We Are
Hello, I'm Akwete Tyehimba. The Pan-African Connection Bookstore and Resource Center was started in 1989 by myself and one of the most principled men I know Bro. Bandele Tyehimba (my husband), a man who loved Africa and African people with all his heart.
Bandele’s vision was to organize and educate the community about the beauty and dignity of African people and their culture. He knew that once a people learn who they are (their history), their pride in self would prompt forward movement in their personal lives, their community, and their nation. Ultimately, naturally developing as all people and societies do, to make their contributions to moving all humanity forward.
Bandele Tyehimba passed away 3 years ago, but during a time when independent cultural institutions are disappearing in inner city communities that badly need cultural direction, his vision has manifested into one of the largest independent institutions of education and culture in the country.
Our Work
The Pan-African Connection is a community space which holds the largest collection of authentic African Art, Books on the Black /African experience, African Clothing, Jewelry, Shea Butter, and holistic health care products in the South (and possibly in the country).
The community resource center/space hosts lectures, children’s activities, classes (cooking, gardening, food coop, business development, health and wellness, etc.), workshops, festivals, community meetings and has served as a small business incubator for hundreds of local minority entrepreneurs.
We believe in putting our theories into practice. Over the past 26years we have infused the children in the Dallas Independent School District with African Art and Culture workshops, we have received many community awards, and worked collectively with community organizations and leaders to transform the lives of people in the Dallas area.
Why We Need Your Help
We know this is a huge request, however we currently pay $4,000 a month rent. We have been asking our landlord to reduce the rent to help us sustain the business during these slow periods. However, to no avail, he said he could not lower the rent.
Consequently, we are now in the process of relocating. Our ultimate goal is to purchase our own property, however in the meantime we will have to relocate to reduce our expenses.
We would love to stay in this area if possible. If not we are open to moving to Oak Cliff, or a location central to our customer base.
How You Can Help
Understanding our reality, 8 months ago we began the process to purchase an 18,000 sq. ft., property in the South Dallas area.
The above video recorded earlier this year, is requesting $80,000, which was the cost needed as down payment of the SBA loan. The loan would have covered the cost of the property and the renovations. The SBA loan was denied and the only option we have not tried is a mass public fundraiser.
The cost of the building is $170,000, it is 18,000 sq. ft., and would house our space and other cultural and socially healthy businesses. The $170,000 would cover the building cost, and the next phase will be to secure grants and other projects to renovate the property.
Donations
We are asking for donations to help us purchase the building, $20,000, $10,000, $5000, $1000.00, $500.00, $100.00, $50.00, $25.00 or whatever your budget will allow.
Again, thank you all, you are our family and have been our life-line for 26 years and we are thankful and honored to serve you.
Akwete Tyehimba
Hello, I'm Akwete Tyehimba. The Pan-African Connection Bookstore and Resource Center was started in 1989 by myself and one of the most principled men I know Bro. Bandele Tyehimba (my husband), a man who loved Africa and African people with all his heart.
Bandele’s vision was to organize and educate the community about the beauty and dignity of African people and their culture. He knew that once a people learn who they are (their history), their pride in self would prompt forward movement in their personal lives, their community, and their nation. Ultimately, naturally developing as all people and societies do, to make their contributions to moving all humanity forward.
Bandele Tyehimba passed away 3 years ago, but during a time when independent cultural institutions are disappearing in inner city communities that badly need cultural direction, his vision has manifested into one of the largest independent institutions of education and culture in the country.
Our Work
The Pan-African Connection is a community space which holds the largest collection of authentic African Art, Books on the Black /African experience, African Clothing, Jewelry, Shea Butter, and holistic health care products in the South (and possibly in the country).
The community resource center/space hosts lectures, children’s activities, classes (cooking, gardening, food coop, business development, health and wellness, etc.), workshops, festivals, community meetings and has served as a small business incubator for hundreds of local minority entrepreneurs.
We believe in putting our theories into practice. Over the past 26years we have infused the children in the Dallas Independent School District with African Art and Culture workshops, we have received many community awards, and worked collectively with community organizations and leaders to transform the lives of people in the Dallas area.
Why We Need Your Help
We know this is a huge request, however we currently pay $4,000 a month rent. We have been asking our landlord to reduce the rent to help us sustain the business during these slow periods. However, to no avail, he said he could not lower the rent.
Consequently, we are now in the process of relocating. Our ultimate goal is to purchase our own property, however in the meantime we will have to relocate to reduce our expenses.
We would love to stay in this area if possible. If not we are open to moving to Oak Cliff, or a location central to our customer base.
How You Can Help
Understanding our reality, 8 months ago we began the process to purchase an 18,000 sq. ft., property in the South Dallas area.
The above video recorded earlier this year, is requesting $80,000, which was the cost needed as down payment of the SBA loan. The loan would have covered the cost of the property and the renovations. The SBA loan was denied and the only option we have not tried is a mass public fundraiser.
The cost of the building is $170,000, it is 18,000 sq. ft., and would house our space and other cultural and socially healthy businesses. The $170,000 would cover the building cost, and the next phase will be to secure grants and other projects to renovate the property.
Donations
We are asking for donations to help us purchase the building, $20,000, $10,000, $5000, $1000.00, $500.00, $100.00, $50.00, $25.00 or whatever your budget will allow.
Again, thank you all, you are our family and have been our life-line for 26 years and we are thankful and honored to serve you.
Akwete Tyehimba
Organizer
Adjwoa Adgy
Organizer
Dallas, TX