From Black Bookstore to Podcast Network: Derrick Young on Access, Pride & Community Power

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.