Black Books Matter Day

Why Black Books Matter Day?

Black Books Matter Day was proclaimed annually on the first Saturday of August in Prince George’s County by Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Executive. Black Books Matter Day was founded in 2021 to recognize the diverse authors of the African diaspora and the readers who support and are empowered by literary works.

Black Books Matter day is celebrated the first Saturday of every August with a reading of the Black Books Matter Day Proclamation and a specially commissioned poem by author Jason Reynolds.

“Black Books Matter Day is about ensuring that Black authors and books are recognized for their significant impact on the lives of their readers and society. MahoganyBooks aims to promote reading, writing, and cultural awareness as tools to improve self-esteem, self-love, and, ultimately, our communities. Our goal is to spread this mission and help others establish Black Books Matter Day in their communities,” stated Derrick and Ramunda Young, co-owners and co-founders of MahoganyBooks. 

About MahoganyBooks

Started in 2007 by husband and wife Derrick and Ramunda Young, MahoganyBooks has one of the largest online inventories of books for and about people of the African Diaspora. It has grown from being exclusively an online bookstore to opening the doors of its first physical location in the historic Washington, DC neighborhood of Anacostia in 2014, then its flagship location at National Harbor, Prince George’s County, Maryland, in 2021. Derrick and Ramunda’s love for culture, community, and connection and their desire to see books empower others as it had empowered them. Over the years, MahoganyBooks has connected readers to writers for exciting and thought-provoking literary events with the likes of President Barack Obama, the late U.S. Representative John Lewis, Walter Mosley, Chimamanda Adichie, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Misty Copeland, Gabrielle Union, and D.C.’s “Mayor for Life” Marion Barry among others.

Official Black Books Matter Day Proclamation

WHEREAS, the Office of the County Executive for Prince George’s County, Maryland,
congratulates Derrick Young, Ramunda Young, and Mahogany Young as you gather to celebrate
the 1st anniversary of MahoganyBooks located at the National Harbor and Black Books Matter
Day in Prince George’s County; and
WHEREAS, MahoganyBooks, Where Black Books Matter, is known nationally for
promoting and selling books for all ages written for, by, or about people of the African Diaspora;
and
WHEREAS, MahoganyBooks encourages social entrepreneurship in the African American
community by promoting reading, writing, and cultural awareness as tools to improve
communities as well as enrich lives; and
WHEREAS, MahoganyBooks has helped connect readers to writers through literary
events with individuals such as President Barack Obama, the late U.S. Representative John Lewis,
Walter Mosley, Chimamanda Adichie, Ta -Nehisi Coates, Misty Copeland, Gabrielle Union, and
Washington, DC’s “Mayor for Life,” Marion Barry, among many other public officials and
celebrated writers; and
WHEREAS, we are Prince George’s Proud to join family and friends of Derrick,
Ramunda, and Mahogany, as well as local business owners and community members, in
celebration of Black Books Matter Day and the first anniversary of MahoganyBooks at National
Harbor.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ANGELA ALSOBROOKS, COUNTY EXECUTIVE FOR
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MARYLAND, do hereby congratulate Derrick Young,
Ramunda Young, and Mahogany Young as you celebrate this milestone on this 6th day of August
2022, and proclaim today as Black Books Matter Day in Prince George’s County. FURTHER, I
join the residents of Prince George’s County in extending best wishes for continued success.

Why Black Books Matter

Ways To Celebrate Black Books Matter Day

• Host a book club featuring a Black author and their work
• Share Your favorite Black author and black books with others, especially a young person
• Support your local, independent bookstore by purchasing books by Black authors
• Attend a virtual or in-person event highlighting Black authors and their books
• Celebrate your favorite Black author or Black book by posting about them on social Media

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