Welcome to The African Outlet

by Judah Dwyer

Midway through February 2015, The African Outlet opened its doors at 4942 Third St. at Quesada, the Howard property. The proprietors are Horgan Edet, from Nigeria, and his partner, Judah Dwyer. Although new to the Bayview, our business has been an integral part of recent San Francisco history.

African-Outlet-1-300x169, Welcome to The African Outlet, Culture Currents
Horgan Edet of Nigeria welcomes you, as Suaro Cervantes, well known and respected SF muralist, transforms the shop at 4942 Third St. from Wendy’s Cheesecake Bakery to The African Outlet at the corner where Quesada Gardens meets Third Street.

In 1989, The African Outlet started in probably the smallest stall outside of any rural African village, at 505 Divisadero St. in San Francisco. After five years of being able to serve only three customers at a time in that small space, we moved over the hill to Hayes Valley, where we spent the next 20 years, at 524 Octavia, between Hayes and Grove Streets.

In this time our presence grew, representing African culture in the yearly, spirited Carnaval San Francisco, El Cerrito’s WorldOne Music Festival, and Fillmore’s Juneteenth parade and celebration. We developed and participated in community programs celebrating African fashion and food, rites of passage, Black History Month and Kwanzaa.

The African Outlet has been featured in the S.F. Chronicle, San Francisco magazine, Channel 5 Evening Magazine, the online Afrostyle Magazine, and in select neighborhood newspapers and blogs. We pride ourselves on carrying only authentic African cargo, carefully and personally selected.

You will be sure to find items such as black soap, shea butter, jewelry, clothing, incense and oils. When you leave our shop with your purchase, you will carry also the knowledge of its geographic and tribal origin, the purpose and history.

Midway through February 2015, The African Outlet opened its doors at 4942 Third St. at Quesada, the Howard property. The proprietors are Horgan Edet, from Nigeria, and his partner, Judah Dwyer.

Just recently, The African Outlet initiated a series, “an Afternoon at The African Outlet,” taking place every two months, 2-5 p.m. on a Saturday. An artist, historian or performer is invited, sharing a corner of African culture with all in attendance.

To complement the performance, masks and sculpture from the guest’s home area are featured. On Saturday, Aug. 13, The African Outlet is extremely proud to present Yacouba Diarra, premier ngoni and kora player from Burkina Faso, West Africa. As is customary for this series, there is no charge to enter.

Just step on into The African Outlet. The store is both a fine retail experience and a wonderful resource for anyone interested in African culture. Horgan and Judah are very happy to be here and to be finding our path within the Bayview Village.

Judah Dwyer can be reached at theafricanoutlet@gmail.com.