Raleigh’s First Black-owned Children’s Book Store Seeks to Empower Youth

August 22, 2023

Liberation Station is a children’s bookstore that was created on the belief that youth need a safe space for discovery. A space centered in humanity, joy, and curiosity. A physical space located in downtown Raleigh in view of the capital building made for the perfect location in the eyes of Victoria Scott-Miller and her family.

Starting with bringing curated books and folding tables to pop-up events and transitioning to online sales made Victoria feel like they were being “stretched in a way that minimized our presence.” We talked about the importance of taking up space and how challenging a system that bans books is in her DNA.

She brings her childhood memories of listening to Juicy J and Three 6 Mafia to her confident approach to designing a space where anyone can feel safe to learn, read, and grow.

Watch or Listen to the Episode

Episode Highlights

  • The Power of Physical Spaces: Victoria emphasizes the significance of having a physical space for Liberation Station. While the pandemic forced them to temporarily move online, their business model was always community-led and community-centered. The physical store allows them to take up space, carve out territory, and create a tangible impact on the community.

  • The Role of Family in Business: As a family-owned business, Victoria highlights the integral role her family plays in the bookstore. Their presence in the store not only showcases a healthy Black family unit but also provides a safe space for children and adults to engage in meaningful conversations. The family’s involvement in the business allows for authenticity and connection with customers.

  • Curating a Diverse Collection: Liberation Station aims to provide a full perspective by curating a diverse collection of books. While initially focusing on books by Black authors and illustrators, they expanded their selection to include authors from the diaspora and books that explore Black childhood and African-American studies. The bookstore actively responds to book banning by adding banned books to their collection and collaborates with Black educators to include their book recommendations.

  • Fostering Intergenerational Conversations: Through book pairings, Liberation Station encourages intergenerational conversations. By pairing books that explore similar themes from both adult and children’s perspectives, the bookstore creates opportunities for families to engage in meaningful discussions. These conversations can take place at home, allowing for a deeper understanding of different experiences and perspectives.

  • The Importance of Challenging the Status Quo: Liberation Station’s mission challenges the status quo by providing access to narratives that are often removed from curriculum and libraries. By creating a space that celebrates Black authors, illustrators, and educators, the bookstore empowers children to make up their own minds and fosters a sense of discovery and curiosity. The store’s location near the Capitol symbolizes their commitment to keeping their eyes focused on their mission and never losing sight of it.

About the Host

Angela Hollowell is the host of the Honey & Hustle podcast. Honey & Hustle is a show that was created with early-stage entrepreneurs in mind. Her video interviews feature themes about creative entrepreneurship in North Carolina and beyond. In addition to her professional creative projects, she works to help visual storytellers and creative entrepreneurs build their audience and impact.

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