Pop's Legacy
North Star Books was founded in the late 1990s in Baltimore, Maryland by Robert Everett Kerr, Jr., my father, affectionately known to us as “Pop”. It began as a brick-and-mortar bookstore specializing in Afrocentric works that centered Black voices, stories, and scholarship.
Pop often reminded us of something he heard as a young man: “If you want to keep a secret from Black folks, put it in a book.”
Pop took that as a challenge -- and became a lifelong reader and seeker of wisdom. As his oldest child, I -- Cathy Michele Kerr, also known as Cathy Ames Turner, Ph.D. -- inherited his love for learning and a passion for uncovering truth through the written word.
Pop was determined that his children and grandchildren would not only find the “secrets,” but live empowered by them. He believed deeply in history, family and knowledge. Although Pop passed away in 2006, his influence lives on.
Today’s Vision:
Publishing, Coaching, and Amplifying Voices
As Pop’s firstborn, I am carrying his vision forward. North Star Books now continues, dedicated to publishing and coaching writers through the full process of telling their stories.
We help everyday people -- especially those whose voices have been overlooked -- navigate writing, publishing, marketing, and more. Our mission is to amplify truth, preserve legacy, and help people share what matters most.
The possibilities are endless. And the calling is clear. “Pop, I pray we’re doing you proud.”
With all my love,
Cathy Michele
North Star Books was founded in the late 1990s in Baltimore, Maryland by Robert Everett Kerr, Jr., my father, affectionately known to us as “Pop”. It began as a brick-and-mortar bookstore specializing in Afrocentric works that centered Black voices, stories, and scholarship.
Pop often reminded us of something he heard as a young man: “If you want to keep a secret from Black folks, put it in a book.”
Pop took that as a challenge -- and became a lifelong reader and seeker of wisdom. As his oldest child, I -- Cathy Michele Kerr, also known as Cathy Ames Turner, Ph.D. -- inherited his love for learning and a passion for uncovering truth through the written word.
Pop was determined that his children and grandchildren would not only find the “secrets,” but live empowered by them. He believed deeply in history, family and knowledge. Although Pop passed away in 2006, his influence lives on.
Today’s Vision:
Publishing, Coaching, and Amplifying Voices
As Pop’s firstborn, I am carrying his vision forward. North Star Books now continues, dedicated to publishing and coaching writers through the full process of telling their stories.
We help everyday people -- especially those whose voices have been overlooked -- navigate writing, publishing, marketing, and more. Our mission is to amplify truth, preserve legacy, and help people share what matters most.
The possibilities are endless. And the calling is clear. “Pop, I pray we’re doing you proud.”
With all my love,
Cathy Michele