What people say about “The LOATAD Experience”
To visit the Library Of Africa and The African Diaspora (LOATAD) is to share in a rare experience of communion with our literary ancestors from across Africa and the Diaspora, their descendants, and each other, wherever we come from in the world. To get an insight into this “special,” “transformative,” and “inspirational” experience, read on…
I’m a regular traveller and I’ve been through a kind of season. Before, racism was something that, when I hear of it, I used to just think that Black people are doing too much. I wasn’t concerned until it happened to me. Then I began to think, “What’s going on? Maybe I don’t know about my culture. Perhaps I don’t really know about Africa.” I went to a French school and what we learnt at school is the only thing we are told. We don’t have anything else, you know. So two years ago, I started to read. Since I’m in Ghana, I started reading in English, small small. I also started Googling to learn about some things I don’t know until now. You see, I really wanted to know about the writers. What happened to some of them? What did they go through? And what was our story before? So when I visited the library, you don’t know the kind of pressure I had inside me when you were talking about everyone on the [writers] wall and everything that you were talking about. I went home very happy. In the last few years, I started loving myself and Africa more. I started thinking of Africa. I feel the need to know more about me, about Africa. I need to know more.
— Farida
In March 2023, on a whim, I decided to plan my trip to Ghana. I told myself, “Go for a month and, if you like it, extend your stay.” It turned out to be a very enriching experience, and I have absolutely no regrets about taking that risk. I found it amusing that people often mistook me for being Ivorian or Nigerian, even though I come from Mayotte, a French island in the Mozambique Channel. It just goes to show that despite our diversity, we all share similarities in one way or another. The visit to the library was incredibly enriching. The work that has been done there is simply amazing! I received a very warm welcome from Akumbu. Seth is truly passionate about what he does. I was captivated from beginning to end. I returned to France with fond memories but, more importantly, with connections that have evolved into good friendships over time. These are friends with whom I continue to exchange experiences and thoughts.
— Aniès
My husband and I visited LOATAD a few weeks ago and we were both inspired and overwhelmed by the collection and narration. I am an African American and my husband is Kenyan. This was the only place we felt like an appreciation for the Disapora was real and tangible in Ghana.
— Anonymous
As a writer, avid reader and book collector, I’d been wanting to visit the Library Of Africa and The African Diaspora (LOATAD) for forever and indeed did on this visit to Ghana. The guided, curated tour of their library and archive was impeccable to say the least. The diversity of their collection and writers is remarkable and my guide was immensely knowledgeable. I learned so much. PS: their rituals are fascinating—I was asked to read aloud a poem by a Bella Sonne Dipoko titled “THE TENDERNESS MANIFESTO” posted right by the door before entering the library. Unique, right? I KNOW! If you’re ever in Accra, LOATAD is a MUST visit.
— Ophelia
We were so moved by our visit! The place is beautiful and so thoughtful.
— Elizabeth
Literally the most amazing library I have ever visited! Maybe I’m biased because I’m tired of Western society’s false perspectives around everything that centres them in being these great philosophers and saviours, when they brought nothing except destruction and ruin into the world we know today—but this library is the truth! Literally!
— Anonymous
Library Of Africa and The African Diaspora 