MahoganyBooks Front Row: The Podcast

The second Black Books Matter Festival is inaugurated by Ramunda Young, co-owner of MahoganyBooks, whose opening remarks resonate with a deep appreciation for the significance of community spaces that embrace and celebrate Black narratives without the constraints of code-switching. Young's reflections set the tone for the festival, which features a panel of independent authors—Charlotte Avery, Brian Heat, and Cerece Rennie Murphy—w...

This podcast episode features a momentous gathering at MahoganyBooks, where civil rights attorney Ben Crump presents his debut legal thriller, "Worse Than a Lie," the inaugural entry in the Boley Cooper series. Central to Crump's narrative is the harrowing tale of Hollis Montrose, a Black police officer unjustly shot and falsely charged on the night of Barack Obama's historic election in 2008.

Crump highlights his motivations for w...

The dialogue in this podcast episode offers a profound exploration of the significance of literature in African American history and identity. Tony Browder and Paul Coates engage in a spirited discussion at the 2025 Black Books Matter Fest that underscores the essential role that books play in the reclamation of history and the empowerment of marginalized voices. Browder articulates the historical challenges faced by the African di...

In this podcast episode, illustrious hip-hop artist Da Brat and her entrepreneurial spouse, Judy, share an insightful discussion of "The Way Love Goes," a relationship guide penned with care and intention. This engaging conversation delves into the intricacies of love and partnership, highlighting the profound significance of communication, vulnerability, and the journey of mutual understanding within a relationship. As we explore ...

Discover the power of storytelling in the Black literary community, as authors discuss history, identity, and resilience in their works. The dialogue among esteemed authors Dolen Perkins Valdez, Sadeqa Johnson, and Victoria Christopher Murray, moderated by Morgan Menzies, illuminates the overlooked relationship between Black women and the Historical Fiction genre. Our panelists detail their distinct journeys into writing, revealing...

Jason Reynolds engages in a profound conversation with Nikesha Elise Williams, centering around her newly released novel, "The Seven Daughters of Dupree." The dialogue delves deeply into the intricacies of familial relationships, particularly the complex dynamics between mothers and daughters, as well as the broader implications of lineage and heritage within the narrative. Williams articulates the challenges she faced in portrayin...

Collette V. Smith, a pioneering figure in professional sports, engages in a profound dialogue with Ramunda Lark Young, co-owner and founder of MahoganyBooks, about her children's book, "Collette’s Courage." This enlightening conversation highlights Smith's remarkable journey as the first Black woman to coach in the NFL, an achievement that resonates deeply with themes of resilience and empowerment.

Within the context of her literary...

Kennedy Ryan graced the 2nd Annual Black Books Matter Fest with her presence, captivating an audience eager to hear from the esteemed author known for her exceptional contributions to the romance genre. This podcast features an engaging dialogue between Ramunda Lark Young and Kennedy Ryan, delving into the intricacies of writing, the representation of Black love, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. The conversation ...

The 2025 MahoganyBooks Black Books Matter Fest kicked off with a powerful live conversation featuring bestselling author Jason Reynolds and acclaimed voice actor Nile Bullock at our National Harbor location in Oxon Hill, MD.

In this opening panel, Jason and Nile dive into their groundbreaking audiobook Soundtrack, exploring the intersection of storytelling, music, and cultural representation. They share personal insights into their ...

What if self-care isn’t selfish—but survival? Join wellness educator Devi Brown and Alencia Johnson for a transformative conversation that challenges everything you thought you knew about taking care of yourself.

In this powerful episode, Devi dismantles the toxic narratives that keep marginalized communities from prioritizing their well-being. Self-care isn’t bubble baths and indulgence—it’s the foundation for showing up authentica...

Christine Platt and Alex Elle engage in a profound dialogue surrounding Platt's latest publication, "Less is Liberation." Central to this conversation is the assertion that true liberation transcends mere physical possessions; it embodies a fundamental shift in mindset and identity. As they explore the intricate relationship between personal storytelling and broader social consciousness, they emphasize the need for individuals, par...

An extraordinary dialogue unfolds as we gather to celebrate the illustrious publication of Ebony Ladelle's latest work, You've Got a Place Here, Too. This episode features a remarkable assembly, including prominent book influencers, The Reading Black Girls, and the accomplished author Christine Platt, who engage in a profound discussion with Ladelle. Central to our conversation is the exploration of a heartwarming anthology compris...

Listeners are treated to a rich dialogue featuring Jeannine Cook and Ramunda Young, which delves into the significance of representation in the literary world. Jeannine, who owns Harriett's Bookshop and is set to open Josephine's Bookshop in Paris, shares her experiences launching her book tour at MahoganyBooks, a venue known for its commitment to celebrating black literature. The conversation uncovers the motivations behind Jeanni...

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...