The Reader of Black Genius Podcast

Dreams really do come true if you're ready to hustle for 'em, and that's the heart of my chat with Lamar Giles on this episode of The Reader of Black Genius podcast. Lamar, a husband, father, and self-proclaimed nerd, dives into the worlds he creates, aiming to give young introverts—like I once was—a place where they can feel seen and heard. He’s got a knack for crafting stories that resonate with...

Derrick Young is back at it again, diving deep into the creative journey of bestselling author LaDarrion Williams. Right from the jump, we're talking about how LaDarrion's unique background and the Black books that shaped him have influenced his storytelling. He’s got a flair for pulling inspirations from all corners of life, mixing magic and identity with a twist of unapologetic blackness in his...

Nikesha Elise-Williams is in the house, and we're diving deep into her journey as an author and the host of the Black & Published podcast. As she gears up for the release of her highly anticipated novel, *Seven Daughters of Dupree*, she shares the ups and downs of her writing path, from the grind of self-publishing to landing a deal with a major publisher. We're talking about all the good stuf...

The conversation with Dr. Andre Perry is a profound exploration of the intersections between Black Power, economic justice, and community empowerment. Dr. Perry articulates a vision of Black Power that is not merely about achieving political representation but about ensuring that Black lives are valued and prioritized in all spheres of society. His research sheds light on the systemic barriers tha...

In this engaging episode featuring Gina Paige, co-founder of African Ancestry, we explore the intersection of business, culture, and identity. Gina's journey is a testament to the power of understanding one's heritage, as she discusses how her upbringing in Washington D.C. and exposure to Black excellence fueled her passion for connecting Black individuals with their ancestry. African Ancestry sta...

Derrick Young, the super blerd host of The Reader of Black Genius Podcast, has a thrilling conversation with Cebo Campbell, the brilliant mind behind the groundbreaking novel 'Sky Full of Elephants.' The episode dives deep into Cebo's origin story, exploring how he went from a kid in a large family in Panama City, Florida, to an internationally renowned author and entrepreneur. Cebo recounts his j...

Today, we dive deep into the world of reading, writing, and the remarkable journey of Panama Jackson, my partner-in-crime and fellow book lover. Right off the bat, we explore how Panama cultivated his incredible reading habits and his knack for weaving cultural commentary into everything he does. From hilarious anecdotes about his past—like that unforgettable voicemail from Oprah—to his experience...

We're diving deep into the journey of Mayor Derrick Wood today, who’s not just a dude with a fancy title but a visionary leader making waves in Dumfries, Virginia. He’s all about transforming his community from the ground up, focusing on creating opportunities and empowering folks to reach their potential. Seriously, this guy's story is a wild ride from being a barbecue aficionado to a civic leade...

Kwame Mbalia joins us today, and let me tell you, this dude is a powerhouse of creativity and humor! Seriously, he’s the kind of guy who can drop a dad joke like a pro, and we kick things off with a laugh about frogs and french flies—classic! But it’s not all chuckles; Kwame dives into the serious stuff too. We chat about how his experiences as a black man in America shaped his storytelling, weavi...

Listeners of the Reader of Black Genius podcast are in for a treat as Derrick Young chats with Paul Coates, a pivotal figure in black publishing and the founder of Black Classic Press. Coates takes us on a journey through his life, starting from his days as a member of the Black Panther Party to becoming a champion of black literature. He articulates the profound influence that various authors hav...

Derrick Young and Anthony T. Browder engage in a profound conversation that navigates the intersections of history, education, and identity. Browder, a self-taught cultural historian, shares insights from his 35-year journey studying ancient Egypt, emphasizing the critical role that self-education plays in reclaiming African heritage. The discussion highlights the influence of foundational texts a...

In our latest episode, we sit down with Dhonielle Clayton, whose literary works have captivated readers across the globe. She reflects on her upbringing in a close-knit family that valued literature, sharing how her father's love for books shaped her own passion for storytelling. Clayton discusses the challenges she faced in the publishing industry, particularly as a Black author, and how these ex...

Today, we dive deep into the journey of Nick Brooks, an award-winning author, filmmaker, and hip-hop artist, who is making waves in the literary world. The main point of our conversation revolves around the importance of representation and the power of storytelling, particularly for young Black boys. We explore Nick's unique path, from his upbringing in Washington, D.C., to his experiences in the...

April is Poetry Month, and we’re dedicating this episode to the poetic genius of Clint Smith III, whose impactful works have resonated deeply within the literary community. As a celebrated writer and poet, Clint's #1 New York Times bestseller, *How the Word Is Passed*, explores the haunting legacy of slavery across America, while his poetry book, *Above Ground*, showcases his ability to weave prof...

The transformative power of literature is at the forefront of our discussion as we delve into the life and insights of Dr. Tony Keith Jr., a distinguished poet and educator. Throughout this episode, we explore Dr. Keith's journey from a young boy grappling with identity to a celebrated voice in the literary community. We uncover the profound influence of Black authors on his development, particula...

The inaugural episode of the Reader of Black Genius podcast serves as a gateway into the rich tapestry of African American literature, wherein I, Derek Young, articulate the vision and aspirations for this series. This podcast, part of the Mahogany Books Podcast Network, aims to delve into the life narratives of esteemed authors, entrepreneurs, activists, and artists, exploring the literary influe...