A New Chapter Begins for Young Readers in Raleigh
A new children’s bookstore is making waves in Raleigh, North Carolina. Liberation Station Bookstore, the state’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore, has opened its doors. It’s more than just a place to buy books—it’s a family-run space built with heart, vision, and purpose.
Founded by Victoria Scott-Miller and her family, the bookstore brings a fresh perspective to children’s literature. It focuses on stories that reflect Black experiences, family values, and neurodivergent voices. This effort makes Liberation Station a rare and powerful force in the local book scene.
Built from Love and Community
The idea for the bookstore began with a simple question from Victoria’s eldest son, Langston. He wanted to write books. That curiosity sparked a journey that led to the creation of a bookstore rooted in family and identity.
“You have my husband, who represents fatherhood,” Victoria shared. “You have Emerson, our son, who is an artist and also neurodivergent. And then you have Langston, who started it all. And I’m here as a mother, creator, and children’s author.” Together, they choose every book with care, curating stories that speak to their community.
A Space That Reflects the Power of Black Bookstores
Liberation Station is part of a larger movement of Black-owned bookstores shaping American culture. The newly released book Prose To The People highlights more than 50 Black bookstores across the U.S., including Liberation Station. The book honors their legacy, calling them as vital as Black churches or historically Black colleges.
These stores are more than retail spaces—they’re cultural hubs. From Chicago to Portland and Brooklyn to D.C., each one is a beacon of literacy and representation. Now, Raleigh joins that growing map.
Why Representation in Children’s Books Matters
Black children often don’t see themselves reflected in books. Liberation Station changes that. It stocks titles where Black kids are heroes, dreamers, artists, and adventurers. For Emerson, who is neurodivergent, books also offer a chance to see creativity in new ways.
“It’s not just about selling a book,” Victoria said. “It’s about shaping identity, imagination, and possibility.” The bookstore creates a safe, loving environment for kids of all backgrounds to explore stories that affirm who they are.
A Family Business That Feels Like Home
Stepping into Liberation Station feels like entering someone’s home. Every shelf, every book, and every corner holds intention. The family’s hands-on approach ensures that the bookstore stays personal and welcoming.
Their mission is simple but deep: help children fall in love with reading while seeing themselves in the pages. With parents, siblings, and even the community involved, Liberation Station has quickly become a local treasure.
Adding to a Legacy of Bookstore Activism
From Da Book Joint in Chicago to Loyalty Bookstores in Washington, D.C., Black-owned bookstores are leading the way in literacy justice. They fight low literacy rates, offer diverse stories, and build community through books.
Liberation Station follows this legacy. It not only uplifts stories but brings people together. It’s a place where young minds can grow and families can bond over books that matter.
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