Bright Young Collectors | October 2024 | Nate Pedersen

The People's Porch Curator Nubia Lateefa on Collecting Rare Black Literature

Nubia Lateefa

Our Bright Young Collectors series continues today with Nubia Lateefa who is the owner and curator of The People's Porch, a mobile library archive of historic Black memorabilia.

Where are you from / where do you live?

Kentucky, born and raised.

What did you study at University? What do you do now for an occupation?

I hold two history degrees and am now pursuing a graduate certificate in historic preservation while building on The People's Porch.

Please introduce us to your book collection. What areas do you collect in?

My collection, The People’s Porch, is an archive of Black memorabilia and specializes in vintage and rare Black literature. I’m following the tradition of independent Black preservation and memory work because it is our responsibility to value and preserve our own culture. I take special interest in procuring vintage and rare titles that I know for me I’ve never even had the opportunity to lay eyes on, let alone explore its contents that are meant to be explored. The People's Porch was inspired by my own lack of accessibility, which motivated me to develop an accessible Black archive. Books are more than just books; they also serve as teachable tools that cultivate community. The People's Porch collection serves as a portal of rediscovery, reminding us that our own stories give us power, answers, healing, and knowledge.

How many books are in your collection?

600 logged books, at minimum.

What was the first book you bought for your collection?

To be honest with you, I wouldn't be able to tell you. I don’t remember myself. I’ve been collecting generally most of my life, thanks to my grandmothers who were archivists and historians without portfolios.

How about the most recent book?

First edition of Negro Orators and Their Orations by Dr. Carter G. Woodson.

And your favorite book in your collection?

That's like deciding between your children; I can't do it.

Best bargain you’ve found?

Many books came from community members parting with old treasures. It was a community member who presented me with my first set of The Black Scholar Journal. That is a heck of a bargain, I assure you.

Nubia Lateefa

Items from Nubia's collection

How about The One that Got Away?

“I will never see some of the items that I hope to own. In fact, items not obtainable today will appear long after I am gone. I do not possess all that should be in a collection of Black literature, but who does? I have gained great knowledge of what should be in such a collection.” - Mr. Charles Blockson, Damn Rare: The Memoirs of An African-American Bibliophile.

What would be the Holy Grail for your collection?

The collection is an invaluable source. Every book gathered an intangible thread that connects our past and future selves by means of words, images, and time travel. “I kept learning and renewing myself with knowledge borne to me on the leaves of books.” - Mr. Charles Blockson, Damn Rare: The Memoirs of An African-American Bibliophile.

Who is your favorite bookseller / bookstore?

I do not have a favorite bookseller or bookstore, per se.

What would you collect if you didn’t collect books?

“….my search for the past of Black people took on an added and almost religious dimension. Collecting was more than hobby or vocation. It was, in many ways, a calling.” - Mr. Charles Blockson, Damn Rare: The Memoirs of An African-American Bibliophile.