NORTH CAROLINA’S FIRST BLACK-OWNED CHILDREN’S BOOKSTORE TO OPEN ITS DOORS FOR THE FIRST TIME

Liberation Station Bookstore, North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore, is set to open its physical doors in the historic downtown area of Raleigh. Husband and wife duo, Victoria Scott-Miller and Duane Miller are the motivated founders of this bookstore, which has been operating through pop-up events for years. The couple is excited to continue upholding a legacy of literacy and liberation within the community and the African Diaspora.

“I feel so incredibly blessed,” says Scott-Miller, a literacy advocate, author, business owner, and mother of two. “It makes me feel so full because I never envisioned getting a brick-and-mortar.” Liberation Station is using funds raised through crowdsourcing efforts, including a partnership with The Bulls of Durham, to help them upfit the 364 sq. ft. store at 208 Fayetteville St. The Millers are anticipating a grand opening on June 19, Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people.

Scott-Miller explained in a social media post, “THIS VISION WAS SIMPLE. PROVIDE A SPACE FOR BLACK CHILDREN TO SEE THEMSELVES IN LITERATURE… That vision began out of the trunk of our car and then migrated to pop-ups all around the triangle, then to our permanently housed narratives inside of the Durham Hotel and Duke Gardens. But we soon realized that we didn’t need a lot of space to make a big impact and then Liberation was born.”

The bookstore will be offering high-quality children’s books written and illustrated by Black and underrepresented authors and illustrators. The store will be divided into carefully thought-out sections, featuring works about the voyage of the Transatlantic Map, the exploration of Black childhood banned stories written by the likes of James Baldwin and Toni Morrison, and more.

Scott-Miller proclaims, “This will be #NorthCarolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore, and we’re elated to be rooted in the heart of downtown Raleigh, the #OakCity.” The Millers have carved out a space in the universe for children to feel safe and be curious, joyful, and see themselves represented in literature. Liberation Station Bookstore is set to become a valuable and much-needed addition to the Raleigh community.

Liberation Station Bookstore’s mission is to provide a space for Black children to see themselves in literature, and their vision has been realized through their journey from pop-ups to a permanent brick-and-mortar location. The bookstore’s location in the heart of downtown Raleigh is significant, as it serves as a symbol of progress and inclusivity.

The bookstore’s owners, Victoria Scott-Miller and Duane Miller, are not just passionate about children’s literacy, but also about giving back to the community. In addition to providing a space for children to discover themselves through literature, they have also been working to raise awareness about the importance of supporting local businesses, especially those owned by underrepresented groups.

The bookstore’s carefully thought-out sections will feature a wide range of works that focus on the experiences of Black and underrepresented authors and illustrators. Visitors to the store will be able to explore the Transatlantic Map, Black childhood exploration, and banned stories written by James Baldwin and Toni Morrison.

Liberation Station Bookstore’s grand opening on June 19th, Juneteenth, is a symbolic date, as it marks the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The opening of this bookstore is a testament to the progress that has been made and the ongoing fight for equality and justice for all.

Liberation Station Bookstore’s opening in downtown Raleigh is a significant milestone, not just for the owners but for the entire community. It represents progress, inclusivity, and a commitment to the betterment of children’s literacy and representation. With its carefully curated selection of books and its commitment to giving back to the community, Liberation Station Bookstore is poised to become a valuable addition to the Raleigh area.