MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast

Central to the conversation is the theme of unfinished business, a notion that echoes throughout the narrative of 'The Best Man: Unfinished Business.' Lee and Allen explore the idea that relationships, much like stories, are never truly complete; rather, they evolve and transform over time. Their dialogue touches upon the complexities of love and the importance of personal agency, particularly in the context of female characters su...

The conversation surrounding Ms. Honorée Fannone Jeffers' latest literary endeavor, Misbehaving at the Crossroads, is both profound and timely, as it intricately unravels the emotional and historical tensions that envelop Black women’s public lives while simultaneously reflecting upon the author’s personal experiences. During this esteemed event at the historic MLK Memorial Library, Ms. Jeffers, under the insightful moderation of M...

Ayesha Roscoe and Dr. Dana Williams engage in a thought-provoking dialogue that traverses the landscape of African American literature, delving into the editorial legacy of Toni Morrison and its ramifications for contemporary publishing. The conversation highlights Morrison's astute understanding of the market and the need to balance artistic integrity with commercial viability. Dr. Williams articulates the challenges faced by Blac...

The conversation surrounding Damon Young's latest anthology, *That's How They Get You*, is rich in both content and context, particularly as it unfolds within the welcoming embrace of the DMV community. Young, alongside his co-founder, Panama Jackson, and bestselling author, Clint Smith, delves into the multifaceted nature of Black American humor, exploring its cultural significance and the myriad ways it serves as a form of resist...

Dr. Ibram Kendi's visit to MahoganyBooks marks a pivotal moment in the discourse surrounding the legacy of Malcolm X, especially through the lens of young audiences. During this author talk, Kendi introduces his new work, *Malcolm Lives!: The Official Biography of Malcolm X for Young Readers*, emphasizing the importance of conveying Malcolm's message of fearlessness and resilience to the younger generation. In a dialogue driven by ...

Join us for an illuminating evening as we celebrate the launch of Tia Williams' latest young adult romance novel, "Audre & Bash Are Just Friends." This engaging discussion features both Tia Williams and Nikki Payne, who share their insights into the intricacies of character development and the nuances of writing within the realm of young adult literature. Within the narrative, we explore the protagonist Audre's journey—original...

Nick Brooks, the esteemed author, filmmaker, and hip-hop artist, returns to his roots in the Washington, DC area to unveil his latest young adult mystery novel, *Up in Smoke*. In this engaging and thought-provoking discussion, hosted by Derrick Young, co-owner of MahoganyBooks, Brooks articulates his profound affection for his hometown and elucidates the transformative power of literature in his life. The conversation traverses the...

The discussion between Shirley Neal and Gina Paige centers on the profound impact of Blackness in contemporary pop culture, particularly as articulated in Neal's anthology, "Afrocentric Style." This anthology serves as an exploration of the intricate relationship between Black identity and mainstream culture, showcasing how Afrocentric aesthetics have increasingly permeated various aspects of popular media. Throughout the conversat...

The episode features a compelling conversation with Victoria Christopher Murray, an accomplished author, who discusses her latest work, 'Harlem Rhapsody'. The narrative centers around the life of Jessie Redmond Fawcett, a pivotal figure of the Harlem Renaissance whose contributions have been largely overshadowed. Victoria reveals the profound importance of Fawcett's legacy and how her mentorship influenced renowned writers such as ...

The illustrious evening hosted by MahoganyBooks features an enlightening discourse with the esteemed creators of the Earn Your Leisure financial literacy podcast, Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal, as they unveil their groundbreaking book, *You Deserve To Be Rich*. This engaging dialogue serves as an invaluable opportunity for individuals aspiring to cultivate generational wealth, yet uncertain of the initial steps to undertake. Withi...

Join us for an engaging discussion with author Jayne Allen as she shares insights into her latest novel, "The Most Wonderful Time," which explores themes of identity, belonging, and personal healing. Jayne delves into the contrasting lives of two women, Ramona and Chelsea, who navigate their struggles in Chicago and Malibu, respectively. Through their stories, she highlights the importance of understanding one's cultural background...

Join us for an engaging conversation with author Kwame Mbalia as he discusses his latest book, "Jax Freeman," and the themes of identity, self-perception, and the challenges faced by young readers today. Mbalia highlights the importance of portraying a larger hero who defies stereotypes, emphasizing that Jax's story is not just about size but about character and resilience. The episode features a lively discussion between Mbalia an...

MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast brings to life the profound journey of Wallace “Wallo267” Peeples, who transformed his life after spending two decades within the prison system. With trademark honesty and insight, he shares his narrative of resilience, emphasizing the lessons learned along the way. The discussion goes beyond personal anecdotes, as Wallo267 delves into the systemic challenges faced by African Americans, the impo...

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on "A Black Woman's History of the United States," where authors Dr. Kali Nicole Gross and Dr. Daina Ramey Berry share their insights on the profound impact of Black women throughout American history. This virtual author talk, recorded during the pandemic in April 2021, explores the rich tapestry of experiences that shape the narrative of Black womanhood, emphasizing resilience, activism, ...

In this episode of MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast, authors Khadeen and Devale Ellis delve into their book, We Over Me, to discuss the intricacies of relationships and marriage, sharing their journey from dating to married life. The couple discusses key elements of a healthy relationship, such as faith, financial management, and effective communication. They offer insights into the importance of authenticity in relationships, ...

Actor and debut author Jay Ellis joins award-winning author Jason Reynolds for an engaging discussion about his new memoir, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend or Just Me?: Essays. In this heartfelt and humorous reflection, Jay shares stories of his childhood and his imaginary friend, Mikey, exploring how imagination shaped his life. The conversation delves into the power of childhood creativity, the significance of literature an...

In this episode, New York Times Bestselling author Tomi Adeyemi and actress Zai Silla delve into a rich conversation about Children of Anguish and Anarchy, the final installment in the Legacy of Orisha trilogy. They discuss the emotional depths of Tomi's characters, the influence of African mythology, and the personal experiences that shape her storytelling. Tomi also shares insights on the challenges and triumphs of writing throug...

Have you ever wondered how deep the roots of African American history and literature go? We are also privileged to have Nicole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project, share her journey and personal connection to Black history. She also reads an impactful excerpt from her work and stresses preserving Black history. Moderated by Gloria Edim, founder of Well-Read Black Girl, this episode celebrates Black lite...

Ever wondered what it takes to craft fiction that truly resonates? Join us as we dive deep into the intricate process behind creating compelling characters like Diamond and the evolution of her father’s haunting voice in "Swift River." Written by the talented Essie Chambers, this episode explores the dedication and passion required to write a novel that captivates and moves readers. Our guest host is none other than author and crea...