Inside Protagonist Black, which celebrates diverse books and cocktails
Independent bookstores are at the heart of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, support diverse and new authors, bring books to readers in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.
Each week we profile an independent bookstore, tell you what makes them special, and get their expert and unique book recommendations.
This week we have Protagonist Black in Fontana, California!
What is the story of your business?
Protagonist Black is a black-owned mobile bookstore specializing in culturally diverse books and cocktail pairings. We operate a 10×10 pop-up space and (recently) a 10×20 space inside the African American Advisory Alliance in Pomona, California. We live in the Inland Empire of Southern California in an area that is severely lacking in independent bookstores, so we decided to fill that need.
What makes your independent bookstore unique?
We designed our pop-up space with extreme care. When our customers shop with us, whether it’s at a weekly farmers market or a special event, they are transported to a cozy, stone-clad space. People trust us with their intergenerational reading journeys, and we’ve been able to create community in ways we never could have foreseen when this bookstore was just an idea. What’s even crazier is that we did all of this under a pop-up tent with a carefully curated collection of books exclusively by BIPOC authors and writers.
What is your favorite department in your store?
Our Cannon Events for the Culture section features classic black literature, but we define “classic” in an unconventional way. By putting urban lit next to WEB Du Bois, we honor the multifaceted experience of black artistic genius and culture. People remember where and who they were when they first read Sister Souljah’s “The Coldest Winter Ever” just as they remember Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” We celebrate that.
Which book do you like to recommend to customers and why?
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams is my absolute recommendation. It’s suitable for people just coming out of a reading slump or just starting to read for pleasure, but unique enough to captivate your favorite bookworm. It takes a classic romantic cliche and breathes life, credibility and verve into the story in a way that I think will stand the test of time.
Which book do you think deserves more attention and why?
The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton healed my inner child who desperately wanted to be part of the boy’s story but didn’t quite fit. Cultures from all over the world are celebrated for their unique characteristics in a respectful and exciting way. And magic too! Children deserve this book.
Which books/series are you most looking forward to releasing in the next few months and why?
The Blood Debts series by Terry J Benton-Walker. I just read the ARC of the second book in the series and it is *Chef’s Kiss*. The books have everything from cold cases to romance to necromancy (and its unfortunate side effects). “Page-turner” is the understatement of the century. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds.
Why is it important to shop at local, independent bookstores?
Local independent bookstores are the trendsetters of freedom. We are often the only way for people to come across books that aren’t necessarily what the “big bookstores” want them to see. Independent bookstores are places where community is built and camaraderie is formed over simply complicated questions like “Hey, what do you think of this one?” Our store isn’t big, so we may not have every single book you see, but I guarantee we have the book you need. Our collection is lovingly curated with our specific community in mind, so many people feel at home here.
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About The Author
