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Tag: Harlem Renaissance

  • Nikole Hannah-Jones Opens Literary Bar in Brooklyn

    Get ready for a renaissance in Brooklyn! Acclaimed journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Nikole Hannah-Jones is set to open The North Star + Bar, a unique Black-owned literary salon and bar, in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant. This exciting new venture aims to be a vibrant community space celebrating Black writers and culture.

    A Sanctuary for Writers and Readers

    Partnering with the husband-and-wife team behind Bed-Vyne Wine & Spirits, Rotimi and Ayo Akinnuoye, and DJ Johnson, owner of the renowned Baldwin & Co. bookstore in New Orleans, Hannah-Jones envisions The North Star + Bar as more than just a place to grab a drink. It’s designed to be a sanctuary that blends a bookstore, a bourbon bar, and a cafe.

    Hannah-Jones explained her motivation: “I’m very plugged into the writer community, I’m friends with a lot of great writers, and wanted to be able to bring those writers into our community.” She noted that major book events often bypass Black bookstores and neighborhoods, a gap she aims to fill in Bed-Stuy, promising that “People should expect all of their writing heroes.”

    Honoring Community Legacy

    The new establishment will occupy the space at 339 Macon Street, formerly home to Macon Hardware. This store was a long-standing Black-owned business in the community, operating for decades before closing in 2023. Hannah-Jones expressed her honor in continuing the legacy of Black ownership at this historic location, ensuring the building remains a community asset.

    The two-story building will feature a full bar and kitchen on the first floor, while the second floor is designated as an apartment for visiting writers. This unique setup will allow visiting creatives to lodge, host readings, and engage with the community all in one space.

    What to Expect

    The North Star + Bar plans to host a variety of events, including writing workshops, book clubs, and author talks. Patrons can look forward to enjoying Black-owned spirits while Black writers and creatives gather to “READ. DRINK. PLOT.” While an official opening date hasn’t been set, the doors are expected to open in early 2026.

    • A literary salon, bar, bookstore, and cafe.
    • Focus on celebrating Black writers and creatives.
    • Located in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
    • Partnership with Bed-Vyne Wine & Spirits and Baldwin & Co.
    • Plans include workshops, book clubs, and author events.
    • Expected opening in early 2026.

    This initiative by Nikole Hannah-Jones promises to be a significant cultural addition to Brooklyn, fostering literary engagement and community connection.

    Are you excited about The North Star + Bar opening in Bed-Stuy? What kind of events would you love to see there? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Yale Deltas Host Harlem Renaissance Week

    Drawing inspiration from the powerful legacy of the Harlem Renaissance, the Yale Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. recently hosted ‘REDaissance,’ a dynamic five-day event series focused on social action. This initiative aimed to educate and inspire students on critical social justice issues, both domestically and internationally, embodying the sorority’s commitment to responsible citizenship.

    Embracing the Spirit of Social Change

    Chapter President Aubrey Vaughn explained that Social Action is a cornerstone of Delta Sigma Theta’s mission. The ‘REDaissance’ week was designed to highlight contemporary social justice issues, mirroring the impactful work of Harlem Renaissance figures like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, who used their art and intellect to inspire change.

    The events blended educational components with tangible community impact, demonstrating how modern activism can be inspired by historical movements. The sorority sisters aimed to foster a spirit of engagement and empowerment among participants.

    Focus on Global and Local Issues

    One significant event was a teach-in focused on the civil war and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. This session, held in collaboration with a local book drive partner, New Haven Reads, aimed to shed light on a global issue that has received less attention amidst other international crises. DST member Ryen Eley noted the inspiration behind the Sudan focus: ‘Black lives are so often undervalued, and I was disheartened by the lack of attention being paid to such a horrific humanitarian crisis.’

    The teach-in not only raised awareness but also provided attendees with actionable steps, such as contacting representatives to advocate for Sudan. The accompanying book drive also emphasized the importance of Black literary works and authors, donating books to New Haven Reads to support literacy in underserved communities.

    Community, Culture, and Financial Literacy

    The week also included a dinner discussion with Su’ad Abdul Khabeer, author of ‘Muslim Cool: Race, Religion, and Hip Hop in the United States.’ This event, organized in partnership with several other Yale student groups, fostered conversations about the Black community, culture, and faith. A food drive was also held in conjunction with the dinner.

    Concluding the week was a financial literacy workshop, offering practical skills to the young women. The ‘REDaissance’ week successfully combined global discourse with local community impact, inspiring not only the participants but also the broader Yale campus community.

    What social justice issues are most important to you? Share your thoughts and how you take action in the comments below!

  • NYC Exhibit Celebrates ‘Gay Harlem Renaissance’

    Get ready, New York City! This fall, a groundbreaking exhibition is set to illuminate a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of American history. The New-York Historical Society is opening its doors to “The Gay Harlem Renaissance,” an extensive exhibit celebrating the incredible creativity, innovation, and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ individuals during a pivotal era.

    A Deep Dive into ‘Gay Harlem’

    Running from October 10, 2025, through March 8, 2026, this 200-piece exhibition promises to transport visitors back in time. It aims to explore and honor the Black LGBTQ+ creatives and the everyday lives that flourished in Harlem during the early 20th century. Imagine stepping into a world of vibrant artistic expression and community building!

    The collection will feature a stunning array of preserved artistic works and historical artifacts. You’ll find everything from books, paintings, and photographs to crucial historical documents and captivating musical recordings from legends like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. It’s a comprehensive look at a dynamic period.

    Highlights Not to Miss

    Among the exhibition’s treasures are Jacob Lawrence’s evocative “Harlem Diner” painting and authentic rent party tickets, offering a glimpse into the social fabric of the time. You’ll also see striking Richmond Barthé sculptures. A particularly fascinating piece is a recreation of the winning gown from the 1932 Hamilton Lodge Ball, a significant drag event, worn by Bonnie Clark.

    Adding to the historical depth, the exhibit includes a 1939 issue of “The Crisis,” the official publication of the NAACP, founded by W.E.B. Du Bois. This underscores the intersection of activism, culture, and identity during this transformative period.

    Expert Insights and Community Focus

    Dr. Louise Mirrer, President and CEO of the New-York Historical Society, shared the exhibit’s vision: “The Gay Harlem Renaissance provides a sweeping portrait of Harlem after the First World War, when a remarkable generation of Black artists, thinkers, and performers — many of them members of the LGBTQ+ community — shaped a new cultural vanguard.” She hopes the show encourages visitors to see how “intimate friendships, chosen families, and radical ideas about identity helped define the Harlem Renaissance and continue to resonate today.”

    Curators Allison Robinson, Anne Lessy, and Rebecca Klassen, along with historian George Chauncey, have meticulously brought this story to life. Chauncey, a Columbia University professor and author, notes that the exhibit reveals “Black LGBTQ+ life was far more visible, accepted, and integrated into the daily life of 1920s Harlem than most people imagine.” He emphasizes that the exhibition explores both the spaces of cultural elites and the everyday gatherings like speakeasies, rent parties, and drag balls where queer and straight individuals built lives together.

    • Explore the “creativity, innovation, and resilience” of Black LGBTQ+ members.
    • View over 200 artistic works and vintage relics.
    • See pieces by artists like Jacob Lawrence, Bessie Smith, and Richmond Barthé.
    • Discover the history of rent parties and drag balls like the Hamilton Lodge Ball.
    • Understand the integration of Black LGBTQ+ life into early 20th-century Harlem.

    Planning Your Visit

    The New-York Historical Society, the city’s oldest museum, offers various admission prices. Adults can expect to pay $24, students $13, and children aged 5-13 $6. Seniors, teachers, and military members pay $19, while members and children under 5 get in free. Plus, enjoy a pay-as-you-wish admission every Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with a vital part of American history!

    Will you be visiting “The Gay Harlem Renaissance” exhibit this fall? What aspect of this period are you most excited to learn about? Let us know in the comments!