Playing Big with Mahogany L. Browne

19/06/2025 36 min Temporada 1 Episodio 115
Playing Big with Mahogany L. Browne

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Episode Synopsis

Guest: Mahogany L. Browne - Award-winning writer, playwright, organizer, educator, Lincoln Center's inaugural poet in residence, and founder of the Woke Baby Book FairEpisode Summary:In this powerful conversation, Mahogany L. Browne shares her journey from a young mother who almost dropped out of college to becoming Lincoln Center's inaugural poet in residence. We explore how she learned to bet on herself when no one else would, the difference between naming problems and solving them, and why service doesn't have to be selfless to be meaningful. Mahogany discusses her acclaimed novel Chlorine Sky, the importance of creating spaces where marginalized voices can thrive, and how to turn opposition into rocket fuel for your dreams.Key Topics Discussed:The universal experience of playing both victim and perpetrator in our relationships How poetry serves as a mirror but isn't therapy - and why both are neededThe importance of choosing critics who want you to succeedBuilding sustainable service models that feed the giver tooCreating spaces for voices that haven't been heardTurning rejection into motivation and opposition into opportunityThe difference between naming injustice and taking action to change itGuest Bio:Mahogany L. Browne is an award-winning writer, playwright, organizer, and educator whose work spans poetry, young adult literature, and community building. She is the inaugural poet in residence at Lincoln Center and founder of the Woke Baby Book Fair, where she creates spaces for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated. Her books include the award-winning Chrome Valley, the frequently banned Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice, and her novel Chlorine Sky. She has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to lifting up other voices while refusing to play small in a world that often asks artists and activists to diminish themselves.References mentioned in the interview:Mahogany's books Chlorine Sky, Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice, Chrome ValleyThe Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison - the book that changed everything for young Mahogany Mahogany’s SubstackLift Mahogany Up:Follow her on Substack for her latest thoughts and workBuy two copies of her books (gift one!) and start a book club discussionAttend or support the Woke Baby Book FairInvite her for conversations and speaking engagements that matterShare her work with the truth-tellers in your lifeCreate spaces in your own community where marginalized voices can be heard – be part of the ripple effect that says everyone deserves to play bigNominated by: Desha Philyaw, who said: "She is one of one. She is genre bending,...

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