"Where Do We Go From Here?" A Conversation with Legacy Black Publishers

With your support, these publishers have survived decades of challenges. their success presents new challenges and a need to consider:

"Where Do We Go From Here?"

In conversation with Kevin Johnson, founder of the National Association of Black Bookstores (NAB²) and Ramunda Lark Young, Co-founder/owner of Mahogany Books

Hear from the publishers who have built and sustained independent Black publishing houses across generations. Learn why publishing for the Black community now matters more than ever. What is the history and what are the challenges behind the scenes? What will it take to preserve and grow these institutions for the next generation?

Sunday, September 19, 2026
3:00–6:00
Thurgood Marshall Center
1816 12th St., NW, Washington, DC
A book marketplace opens at 2:00.
Meet the publishers, purchase books, and support Black publishing.

$35.00 early registration until September 14 | $50 after
Seating is limited for this intimate discussion.

THE PUBLISHERS
Haki Madhubuti, Third World Press (1987)
W. Paul Coates, Black Classic Press (1978)
Kassahun Checole, Africa World Press (1983)
Wade Hudson & Cheryl Willis Hudson, Just Us Books (1988)

This conversation is being sponsored with the support of Tony Browder and IKG.