If you’d told us we’d be living this dream a year ago we’d probably have said, “Don’t threaten us with a good time!”, and what a time it’s been thus far!
This journey is just beginning, and so many wonderful things have happened, but there’s so much more on the way. Thank you to all the protagonists! Your main character energy makes this all possible and we are proud to be part of your story this year, and for many more to come.
Check out the link in our bio for our next chapter, Reading on the Rocks: A Spirited Book Fair, (at our new location within @pomona4as ) on Jan. 20th. Let us help you stick to your reading goals this year with some new titles!
We are ✨manifesting✨a ridiculous amount of things for 2024. Book clubs! Story Times! Festivals! Cocktails! Oh My! Well, more on all that later lol.
1000 pounds of gratitude to the folks at @therealhartbeat and @blackxtheblock for making this video possible.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Booktenders,
Aysia & Kevin
That one time, at book camp, when we were featured in @usatoday@usatodaylife 🥂📚🎉. We’ve made so many new friends over the past few weeks. Welcome to the LITUATION! Thanks for sharing your main character energy with us, and allowing us to be your home bookshop.
Check out the link in our bio to read the full USA Today feature and learn more about our shop and community ❤️!
PS : what’s your controversial book opinion? I (Aysia) hate original song lyrics in books 🙃🙃🙃. Share in the comments!
You Friendly Neighborhood Booktenders,
Aysia & Kevin
Sponsor Spotlight:
We are deeply thankful for this year’s donors who have contributed generously to support the growth of MHS Athletics.
@protagonistblack
An independent bookstore specializing in culturally diverse books and cocktail pairings. If words have the power to shape minds of generations, construct realities beyond what eyes can see, and transcend generations, consider Aysia and Kevin Brown, the neighborhood clerks keeping record of the great stories that have shaped the literary landscape.
Earlier this month, we had the honor of working with the @armacostlibrary and U of R Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society (@uofr_sigma_tau ) to put on an event celebrating banned books and the freedom to read! Thank you so much to everyone who made this event happen - we couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you to AK Smiley Library (@a.k.smileypubliclibrary ), A La Minute (@alaminute ), Protagonist Black (@protagonistblack ), Frugal Frigate (@frugalfrigate ), Hatchette Book Group (@hachetteus ), our panelists, volunteers, and everyone who came out to support it! We are grateful ❤️
Ps. Thank you to @asmrobertgarcia for honoring the organizers!
Our hiatus ends tomorrow!! Join us at the @ctgla Backyard tomorrow night for a midweek vibe before we go see Jaja's African Hair Braiding as a family! 🥂
It’s getting hot in the IE! There are two more opportunities to shop with us in person this month, but Protagonist Black is always open online!
Link in bio to shop 🥂
& just like that we are back! Handshakes & hugs to the protagonists who have been with us from the beginning, and a warm welcome to our new friends.
Protagonist Black is an indie pop-up bookstore that specializes in culturally diverse books and cocktail pairings, with a special emphasis on Black authors and creators.
You can count on our commitment to LITERACY, LIBERATION, and LITUATIONS. We aim to serve as your local bookshop, connecting you to directly to the authors and creators you need in your life. We are based in the Inland Empire, and travel both near and far to further that goal. Long story short? We bring the vibes to the function.
We have so many big plans for this year, and we can’t wait to write the story with you. Tell us in the comments what you’d like to see from us in 2025!
We are actively seeking opportunities for business to business partnerships, vendor opportunities, and semi permanent retail space. If you have any leads for us, feel free to jump in our DMs!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Booktenders,
Aysia & Kevin
P.S. - Keep an eye out for our February pop-up schedule! We have a few event dates available, so please reach out with BHM opportunities 🥂
Omg we are so back! Protagonists, we’ve missed you! We are excited to resume our permanent spot at @heritagefarmersmkt in Rancho Cucamonga on Saturdays, and to be popping up throughout the community this fall starting at Crafton Elementary in Redlands this evening. Have something cool coming up? Feel free to reach out with vendor opportunities!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Booktenders,
Aysia + Kevin
🎂 Help us wish our Alliance Anchor, Kevin Brown - Protagonist Black a very Happy Birthday!
#HappyBirthDay #AllianceAnchor #BEMORE #BetterTogether #pomona4as #ProtagonistBlack 📚
