Established in 1994 Shades of Afrika began as a family owned business with the sole purpose of providing affordable African and African American Cultural Gifts and Fine Art. Since that time we have served as an African dispora Gift Shop and Art Gallery. We are located at 1001 East 4th Street Long Beach, CA. 90802.

Our mission then and still today is to offer cultural gifts to the heart and minds of our nation. While we began with one purpose in mind the needs of the community have reached our ears, and we have taken pride in being a part of the community. With weekly events that include but are not limited to "Our Story Study Group" an Open-Mic and Poetry event and Sunday Morning Meditation and Yoga Groups. We welcome you to any of our events if we should be so blessed to have you walk this way. Many families and friends bring their love ones to drop by when they come to town and we welcome you and yours.

Serving the community in a variety of ways through the arts has opened the door for many local artist and creators such as "Vicki the Doll Lady" whose magnet dolls are not replicated by mass production because she chooses to do each one by hand.

Shades of Afrika assisted local and international artist Cidne Wallace early in her career by marketing her note card line. Many more successes have been given opportunity at Shades (as it is affectionately called). Check out our poetry and CD section and click an artist to see some of these up and coming artists for your self.

We are very glad that you stopped in, and would like you to know that you too are a friend of the family.

Ahsante Sante!!!
Thank you very much !