An African American Cultural Experience in Dallas

Dallas' African American roots run deep. The city's rich cultural history can be experienced all over town from the neighborhoods to the food to the cultural museums and attractions.

Day 1

1 Hour

1Get a Healthy Start for the Soul

Stop by Sanfoka Kitchen in Oak Cliff for a delicious smoothie for an energizing boost to begin your day. The black-owned restaurant features a menu that satisfies both vegan and carnivorous preferences. This is the place to go to enjoy fellowship and healthy food for the soul.

1.5 Hours

2Cultural Expressions

Black artistic expression celebrates the diversity of the African Diaspora while also connecting us through universal themes. Head to the South Dallas Cultural Center for an artistic experience that showcases local, regional and national works by black talent. The center features a 120-seat black box theatre, dance studio, digital recording studio, and two visual art galleries with exhibitions that change every two months. Workshops and programs are also offered to inspire creativity and promote different forms of artistic expression.

2–4 Hours

3Enjoy the Outdoors

If the weather is nice, join a pick-up game of basketball at Opportunity Park located in the heart of South Dallas. Or let the little ones play at the playground while you marvel at the public art displays, including an "Our History" four panel installation focused on early pioneers, neighborhoods, schools and businesses that made up the African American community in Dallas.

2 Hours

4Bringing the Caribbean to Oak Cliff

Promising to transport you to the islands with every bite, Island Spot offers authentic Jamaican and Caribbean flavors, good vibes and a great time. From jerk chicken, curry shrimp and fresh-squeezed juices, Island Spot hits the spot with all the staples of the islands. After you finish your meal, stay for a cocktail or two and sway to the sounds of Bob Marley or dutty wine and soca legend Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.

4–6 Hours

5Heart and Soul

Fully immerse yourself in the black experience and more than 140 years of black history in Deep Ellum. Once the first commercial district and entertainment hub for freedmen and a hot spot for famous jazz and blues musicians, Deep Ellum holds tight to its roots as it remains the epicenter of live entertainment, art and culture in Dallas. Complete with vibrant street murals, live music venues, bars, restaurants and quirky shops and parlors, the neighborhood is the perfect place to be on a Saturday night.

Day 2

2–3 Hours

1Soulful Sunday Brunch

Start your morning at the brunch at one of the newer kids on the block, Kitchen + Kocktails. They came on this scene in the thick of the pandemic, and despite opening during troubling times, the restaurant has maintained a strong customer base. The Downtown Dallas eatery is luring in guests with everything from fried pickles to oxtails and chicken and waffles . There's even seafood gumbo!

2 Hours

2Take a Historical Journey Through Fair Park

Stroll through the African American Museum in Fair Park and explore the African American experience through a variety of art exhibits and displays. The African American Museum is the only institution of its kind in the Southwest, offering an impressive collection of African and African American art, including one of the largest folk art collections in the nation. It is a treasury of art and culture recognized as a vital part of black heritage. Then discover what else the fairground has to offer. Originally established in 1886 as an 80-acre fairground on the outskirts of East Dallas, the park now covers 277 acres and is home to the Children's Aquarium, Texas Discovery Gardens and many big events and attractions, including the State Fair of Texas.

1.5 Hours

3Shop Black

Located in Oak Cliff, Pan African Connection is a bookstore, art gallery and resource center that celebrates black and African culture 365 days a year. Look around for unique finds, authentic African apparel and jewelry, books by black authors, natural hair and body products and more! The store also hosts free community events and programs, such as yoga, Sunday drum circles, dance classes and cultural discussions.

1.5 Hours

4Leave Room for a Hearty Dinner

Named after the 1925 jazz standard, Sweet Georgia Brown is an authentic soul food place with an old school taste. In the heart of Oak Cliff, the cafeteria-style restaurant serves fried chicken, pork ribs, collard greens, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes and all the fixins'. The hearty helpings will easily satisfy you through lunch and dinner. The line is usually long but always worth the wait.

Check the schedule for Dallas’ light rail system DART and the free M-Line Trolley for convenient rides through the Downtown Dallas and surrounding areas.