Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones is bringing her vision to life in Brooklyn. The creator of the “1619 Project” is opening The North Star Books + Bar in early 2026. This literary salon aims to become a cultural anchor for Black writers and readers alike.
The space will occupy a two-story brick building at Macon Street and Marcus Garvey Boulevard. The location previously housed Macon Hardware, a long-standing Black-owned business. Hannah-Jones envisions more than just a bookstore or bar—she’s creating a home for Black literary voices.
From Home Salons to Public Literary Space
Hannah-Jones has lived in Brooklyn for nearly 15 years. During that time, she hosted multiple writer salons in her own home. These intimate gatherings brought together emerging Black writers and established authors.
“I started holding these writers’ salons at my house within a year of moving to New York,” Hannah-Jones told Harper’s Bazaar. She felt young Black writers needed a place to connect with their heroes. Ta-Nehisi Coates even read an early draft of “Between the World and Me” on her stoop at one salon.
Now she’s scaling that energy into a dedicated public space. The North Star Books + Bar represents years of dreaming about creating something bigger. Hannah-Jones wants to capture the greatest attributes of the Harlem Renaissance for today’s generation.
A Literary Salon for Community Building
The North Star Books + Bar is designed as more than a typical bookstore. The salon will honor both established and emerging Black writers. Community sits at the heart of this vision.
“A space where creative folks can come together and exchange knowledge, ideas, literature, art,” Hannah-Jones explains. The two-story building will host various programming throughout the year. Activities will include author talks, community book clubs, and public readings.
Micro-Residencies for Visiting Writers
The space will feature a unique micro-residency program. Visiting writers will have opportunities to stay and work in the community. These residencies will support deeper engagement with local readers.
Writers in residence will lead workshops and readings. They’ll also participate in community engagement activities. This model creates meaningful connections between established authors and neighborhood residents.
Programming and Partnerships in Brooklyn
Organizers plan to launch programming in early 2026. The exact opening date hasn’t been finalized yet. However, preparations are moving forward steadily.
The North Star will partner with local schools and cultural institutions. These partnerships aim to deepen literary engagement throughout the neighborhood. Students will have access to authors and literary experiences previously unavailable to them.
Cultural Infrastructure in Bed-Stuy
The salon represents crucial cultural infrastructure for Black communities. Brooklyn has experienced rapid gentrification in recent years. Black-owned spaces have disappeared at an alarming rate.
Hannah-Jones is committed to furthering New York’s rich literary culture. The North Star Books + Bar offers a small but significant foothold. It will anchor literature, culture, and community in Bed-Stuy for years to come.
Creating Space for Black Literary Excellence
The literary salon addresses a critical gap in the cultural landscape. Black writers and readers deserve dedicated spaces for their work. Mainstream bookstores often overlook Black authors and stories.
The North Star will center Black voices and narratives. It will showcase diverse perspectives within Black literature. From poetry to fiction to nonfiction, all forms will find a home here.
Building on a Legacy of Black Excellence
Hannah-Jones brings impressive credentials to this project. Her “1619 Project” reframed American history through the lens of slavery’s legacy. The work earned her a Pulitzer Prize and sparked national conversations.
Now she’s using her platform to create lasting community impact. The North Star represents her commitment to supporting other Black writers. She understands the power of having dedicated spaces for creative exchange.
A New Chapter for Brooklyn’s Literary Scene
The North Star Books + Bar signals exciting possibilities ahead. Brooklyn has long been home to writers and artists. This salon will strengthen those creative networks even further.
The space promises to become a gathering point for literary Brooklyn. Writers will meet readers in meaningful ways. Community members will discover new authors and perspectives. The exchange of ideas will flow freely in this welcoming environment.
