“Black bookstores are impactful because of the people who run them. It is unclear what the future holds, but history has proved that the country will always need Black bookstores, and they’ll always be here.” Char Adams, Black-Owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore
_________
If you would have told a younger Akwete Tyehimba that she would run one of the most impactful Black bookstores in the city of Dallas, she probably would not believe you. In the same vein, if you would have told the Pan–African Connection owner that she would unapologetically change her name from Michelle, to her now African name of Akwete (meaning “elder of twins”), she may have had some additional reservations. However, proudly standing in her roots, as a mother of three and as one of the leading pillars in the community, Tyehimba is firm in who she is—and more so, how she wants to show up for the community she dearly loves.
As a Waco native, Tyehimba journeyed to Dallas for her college education in journalism where she met her late husband Bandele Tyehimba in the 80’s. They then later opened Pan African Connection Bookstore in 1989, as a gathering space for political education, cultural conversations, personal growth, and belonging. It was and always has been, more than a bookstore. After Bandele’s sudden passing in 2012, the then flight attendant took over the business, and grew it to what it is today. In honor of Women’s History Month, we caught up with Akwete to discuss legacy, leadership, and her family’s impact in the city of Dallas, despite it all.
SDM: Pan–African Connection has been a hub in the community since 1989. As you so artfully stated, it’s more than just a bookstore. How does it make you feel to sit back and look at the impact your family has made in the Dallas community for over the last three decades?
Tyehimba: “The whole vision of the Pan–African Connection was Bandele’s. It was used as a tool for us to bring people under the umbrella of Pan–Africanism—having them learn more about who they are as African people, connect to Africa, and learn more about who they were and where they have come from. It was always his desire to have a space where we could raise the consciousness of our people, have a correct analysis of our history, our struggles, the sacrifices of our ancestors, understand our historical responsibility to continue that work, and not give it up.
It makes me feel good that people can say that Pan–African has helped them to develop some level of identity that was positive about themselves, and also the different generations that come in. We do the best that we can. I’m just beyond grateful.”
SDM: It seems as though you’re carrying the torch of your late husband, and have been solely committed to truly educating us to who we are, and where we’ve come from. Upon reflection, what do you think Bandele would say today if he were still here?
“For me, when I met my husband, I didn’t know anything about Africa either. I had Farrah Fawcett hair and was slinging it! However, we’ve always claimed ourselves as African people, and it’s so important to be connected to a landbase that is yours. As far as today, he would not be doing all of this (what I have been doing)— ’cause it’s a lot. He would be doing things a bit politically directed towards Pan–Africanism. And I do those things as well, but I like bringing the community in like a family. I think I’ve expanded things beyond what he would’ve imagined. Overall, I think he would be very proud that we have sustained ourselves and we’re still here. It’s a big thing that we have maintained our integrity of who we are as an African and Pan–African bookstore and to still be respected throughout the city, and really some places around the world.”
SDM: Women and particularly Black women are powerful. Not only were you raising your children and being a wife, but you were also working for Delta Airlines and helping Bandele at the store—a true Superwoman. When your husband transitioned, did you ever consider winding down Pan–African Connection?
“It never crossed my mind to do that—not even once, because Bandele had built an institution (of course, with my help), but it was definitely his vision from the beginning. I did not want to, and I could not just let it go.
A lot of people didn’t think I could do it, you know? I kind of always let him take the leadership. But in the end, he was kind of pushing me to do more leadership things, so maybe he knew. I had to build my own working relationships with a lot of the people that we did business with, who were mostly male, as well as brothers born on the continent that we traded and bought art from. However, I still try to maintain the mission and the idea of making sure Africa is primary, and making sure we work with our people.”
SDM: If you could give any type of leadership advice to women who may be in a similar situation—maybe they’re building their own business or just trying to make motherhood and life and business work, what is some advice that you would give?
“Black women are so strong, and women in general are so resilient. When you raise children and maintain a family and a marriage, and you’re also working—that’s a lot. However, we’ve done it for years. I think women have to trust that they have everything inside of them to do what they need to do. Trust that your instincts are good. Also, pray a lot. I pray all the time, and I honor my ancestors. It’s not rocket science. As for business, most of us don’t start a business with a lot of money. No capital. You just have to use what you have and build from there—but it can be done. If we can do it, then you can do it. And if I can do it, anybody can do it.
SDM: Well, cheers to the next several decades of Pan–African Connection in the community. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
“Knowledge means nothing if it’s sitting on these bookshelves. Use the knowledge to advance yourself and to advance humanity as a whole. The books have to get in the hands of the people and for people to grow—like the Autobiography of Malcolm X. That one book will make you read 200 more books just from the knowledge and information that’s inside. It’ll transform your life. And that is why we are here – to transform lives.”
