We are delighted to announce the acquisition of a new collection!
Donated to LOATAD by elder Precious Gordon, The Precious Gordon Collection comprises of over 250 books, Black history calendars, and other ephemera gathered over decades, representing a lifelong quest for knowledge and deeper understanding rooted in an Afrocentric perspective.
Born in Jamaica and raised in England, Precious Joy Gordon developed a love for reading at a young age, despite having limited access to books. The first book she ever bought led her to explore complementary medicine and holistic health, focusing on natural therapies and wellness practices.
With a professional background in fashion design, she transitioned to holistic healthcare, working in stress management, counselling, and therapeutic healing to help people achieve balance and wellbeing.
She has lived in various countries, including Sweden and Australia, immersing herself in different cultures and developing a strong interest in Black history and literature. Over the years, she became a serious collector of books by Black authors, especially Black women writers, and committed to sharing their work to educate and inspire others. Her collection reflects these passions – health, wellness, and empowering Black communities through literature and education.
Her most cherished books, many focusing on African-centred psychology and history, have found a home at the Library Of Africa and The African Diaspora, reflecting her dedication to preserving and sharing Black literary heritage.
The collection also includes a number of books on Black British, African-American, and African history, including rare gems like Robin Walker’s When We Ruled, classics by intellectual titans including W.E.B. Du Bois and Frederick Douglas, and seminal texts by African giants including Cheikh Anta Diop, Léopold Sédar Senghor, and more:
- African history
- African American history
- Afrikan psychology
- Black British history
- Health and wellness
To view the Precious Gordon Collection, click here.

We give thanks for elder Precious’ life and for her wonderful gift to the library, which many writers and readers will benefit from.
If you have a collection of books by African and/or Diaspora writers that you’d like to donate to the library, contact us via email or the form on our website to discuss.
