The Memorable Moment Liberation Station Bookstore Became North Carolina’s First Black-Owned Children’s Bookstore
A Dream Realized: Opening North Carolina’s First Black-Owned Children’s Bookstore
On June 17, 2023, Victoria Scott-Miller’s dream of creating a space where children could see themselves represented on the shelves became a reality. Liberation Station Bookstore, North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore, opened its doors in downtown Raleigh, ushering in a new era of diversity and inclusivity in the literary world.
“Our children, they need room to be able to dream,” Scott-Miller said. “We walked out inspired to create the thing that needed to be seen.”
A Journey Fueled by Passion and Determination
The path to Liberation Station’s establishment was paved with passion and determination. Scott-Miller’s initial inspiration came from a frustrating experience at a national chain bookstore, where her family struggled to find books featuring characters that looked like her sons.
“When we went to the bookstore as a family of four, we thought that it would be an easy, in and out,” she recalled. “But unfortunately, it would be a scavenger hunt that would take us nearly 4 hours to walk out with just a handful of books.”
Celebrating Black Authors and Illustrators
Liberation Station Bookstore’s mission is to celebrate the works of Black and underrepresented authors and illustrators, providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard. The bookstore’s shelves are carefully curated to offer a wide range of children’s books that reflect the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives within the Black community.
“Our children, they need room to be able to dream,” Scott-Miller emphasized, highlighting the importance of representation in literature.
A Sanctuary for Literacy and Community
Beyond being a bookstore, Liberation Station has become a sanctuary for literacy and community. The bright and intimate space hosts events, fostering a love for reading and creating a welcoming environment for families to gather and share their experiences.
“It is a sanctuary,” Scott-Miller described. “It is a home. It’s church. It is your grandmama’s dinner table.”
Facing Adversity with Resilience
Unfortunately, Liberation Station’s journey has not been without its challenges. In September 2023, the bookstore began receiving numerous threats, some of which included disturbing details about Scott-Miller’s son, Langston.
Despite these adversities, Scott-Miller and her family remained resilient, adapting their operating hours and strategies to prioritize the safety of their customers and staff.
A New Chapter Begins
On April 30, 2024, Liberation Station Bookstore will bid farewell to its current location in downtown Raleigh, embarking on a new chapter. Scott-Miller remains steadfast in her commitment to the bookstore’s mission, vowing to “go back to the drawing board to reassess and redefine what we will need in our next location.”
“It certainly won’t mark the end of Liberation Station Bookstore. There is so much more work to be done,” Scott-Miller declared, her determination unwavering.
This is always so annoying to me. It is historical. Black people we don’t want you here. Black people build their own towns. What happens? White people destroy them. Black people we don’t want certain books in our schools. Ok. Black people open bookstore. What happens? Threats. https://t.co/ruIG8aweFj
