NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Marylandian -- MahoganyBooks, the nation's leading Black-owned bookstore dedicated to Black literature, will kick off Black Books Matter Festival Weekend—a vibrant celebration of Black storytelling and community—at its National Harbor location from Friday, August 1, to Sunday, August 3, 2025.

More than 50 Black authors, including New York Times bestsellers and trailblazing independent writers, will gather for a free (with RSVP), family-friendly weekend that centers our stories, our imaginations, and our experiences. With over 5,000 RSVPs and counting, this event is already the largest Black literary celebration in the DMV.

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"This event isn't just a book festival—it's a declaration. We will not be silent. We are lifting up the voices of Black authors whose words inspire, heal, resist, and reimagine," said Ramunda and Derrick Young, Co-Founders and Owners of MahoganyBooks.

The Three-Day Festival Schedule Includes:

Friday, August 1 | 6 PM
Kickoff Book Club at Anacostia Arts Center, Washington, D.C.
Discussion of King of Ashes by NYT bestselling author S.A. Cosby

Saturday, August 2 | 11 AM–4 PM
Black Books Matter Festival at National Harbor, Maryland

Saturday's Full Festival Lineup Includes:

• 11:00 AM – Jason Reynolds with Nile Bullock moderated by Derrick A. Young | Signing 12–1 PM
• 12:00 PM – Kennedy Ryan Author Talk | Signing 1–2 PM
• 1:00 PM – "Black Publishing as a Form of Resistance" with Anthony Browder, Paul Coates & Shirikiana Gerima
• 2:00 PM – "Past Tense, Present Power" with Victoria Christopher Murray, Dolen Perkins-Valdez & Sadeqa Johnson, moderated by Morgan Menzies
• 3:00 PM – "IndiePenned Power Hour" featuring independent authors Charlotte Avery, Cerece Rennie Murphy and Brian Heat, moderated by Ramunda Young

Sunday, August 3 | 11 AM

• Book Club Brunch LIVE w/ NYT bestselling author Kennedy Ryan (SOLD OUT)
• Taste of Culture Spice Tasting Experience (2-4 PM in store) Hosted by Foodies Who Love to Read

Full festival details at https://MahoganyBooks.com/events.

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About MahoganyBooks
Founded in 2007 by husband and wife team Derrick and Ramunda Young, MahoganyBooks is a Black-owned bookstore with one of the largest online selections of books by and about people of the African Diaspora. From its online roots to a thriving National Harbor store, MahoganyBooks has hosted unforgettable literary events with icons like President Barack Obama and Ta-Nehisi Coates. As founders of Black Books Matter Day, the Youngs continue to build community through culture, connection, and the power of books.