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What we’re reading now

Blood justice

& protagonist 75

Welcome back to New Orleans, where gods walk among us and justice isn’t served, it’s taken. Blood Justice is the highly anticipated sequel to Protagonist Black favorite, Blood Debts.
Pairs perfectly with a French 75, but try it the Protagonist Black way with cognac instead of gin!

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& vodka berry smash

On thriving

“I wasn’t sure if the rain could heal my broken heart or if it had the power to cleanse my grief. However, I knew what it could do for the daffodils, the California succulents upon my doorstep, and the sun-scorched grass that needed its care. I, too, was depleted, bare, and dry. I also needed watering, and so here I was.”

-Brandi Sellerz-Jackson,

On Thriving

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PROTAGONIST BLACK

is an independent bookstore specializing in culturally diverse books and cocktail pairings

“Beloved, community is formed not by the eradication of difference but by its affirmation, by each of us claiming the identities and cultural legacies that shape who we are and how we live in the world.”

-Bell Hooks

about the founders:

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.

Aysia and Kevin invested in Protagonist Black as an experiential safe house for a growing community of those who know a good book is best paired with conversation, love, and spirits. Their goal is to encourage all readers, from teenie tots to seasoned souls, to diversify their bookshelves with stories from marginalized backgrounds, authors, and voices.

As parents, public servants, and self-proclaimed bookworms, they are passionate about helping readers learn more about their surrounding world through the power of literature.

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EXPLORE OUR SERVICES

Need books? We’ll travel!
Follow us on IG and join our mailing list for the latest information on where to shop with Protagonist Black both online and in person.

Thinking about starting a library in your workplace or community? In charge of professional development and need material to support your curriculum? Running a reading circle and need to buy in bulk? Looking for a small local bookshop to source books from for your community outreach efforts? Shoot us an email, we can help with that.

We would love to collaborate with you on your next special event! Let us know how we can partner with you on for book signings, community events, vendor opportunities, or whatever other literary experience you have in mind. Ask us about our consultant services!

Where to find us

Meet us at a pop-up! We travel all over the place, and are excited to meet you. Got an event coming up? Please reach out to see how we can add to your gathering.