In this episode of Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, host Talib Jasir sits down with Derrick Young, co-founder of MahoganyBooks, to discuss Black literature, media ownership, book bans, and building a lasting cultural institution.
Mahogany Books began as an online Black-owned bookstore and has grown into a physical retail space, community hub, and podcast network committed to preserving and amplifying Black voices. Derrick shares how access to Black literature shapes identity, why storytelling influences freedom, and how gathering in joy becomes an act of cultural affirmation.
The conversation explores narrative control, the decline of Black bookstores, the rise of book banning across the country, and how independent Black businesses can scale without losing mission alignment. Derrick also discusses launching a podcast network from a bookstore, building brand trust through community economics, and maintaining long-term vision in a culture driven by speed.
This episode is essential listening for creators, entrepreneurs, educators, and anyone invested in Black media, publishing, podcasting, and cultural preservation.
Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Meeting Derrick Young 05:00 From Bookstore to Podcast Network 10:00 Miseducation, Narrative Control & Black History 15:00 Fiction, Heritage & Cultural Memory 20:00 Technology, AI & Disrupting the Book Industry 25:00 Black Resilience & Historical Publishing Resistance 30:00 Joyful Gathering as Cultural Affirmation 35:00 Community Economics & Brand Trust 40:00 Long-Term Vision vs Hustle Culture 45:00 Afros & Audio, Media Expansion & Scaling 50:00 Mahogany Books Locations & Final Reflections
To learn more visit: www.MahoganyBooksMedia.com
Visit MahoganyBooks Retail Store: 121 American Way Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Follow on Social Media: IG: @derrickyoung.dc, @mahoganybooks, @mahoganybookspodcastnetwork
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred streaming platform.