A New Chapter: The Reopening of Liberation Station
A Celebration of Community and Resilience
Just days before the dawn of a new year, a significant milestone was celebrated in North Carolina. Victoria Scott-Miller, an inspiring author and business owner, honored the reopening of Liberation Station—North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore. This event was not just a business launch but a heartfelt homecoming for Scott-Miller and the community she serves.
Scott-Miller described the day as a “homecoming season,” radiating enthusiasm during the grand reopening. “I am so excited to bring this offering back to the community,” she expressed, emphasizing the importance of collective support from friends, family, and local patrons. The passion and dedication evident in her words reflect the bookstore’s mission to uplift the community through literature.
Overcoming Adversity
The reopening comes after a challenging period for Scott-Miller and Liberation Station. The bookstore had to close its first location in downtown Raleigh in April 2024 amid an alarming wave of violent threats. These threats were not merely anonymous; they included unsettling details about her son, Langston, which amplified the emotional toll on the family and the staff.
“It’s a harsh reality that our society sometimes permits nameless individuals to inflict fear,” Scott-Miller recalled, shedding light on the emotional landscape that accompanied the bookstore’s initial closure. Yet, this adversity only strengthened her resolve to reopen the store in a location where its mission could thrive.
A Grand Reopening on Kwanzaa
This resurgence took place on a meaningful day—during the fourth day of Kwanzaa, a holiday celebrating African heritage and culture. The focus of this day is Ujamaa, or cooperative economics, which was particularly significant for Scott-Miller as Liberation Station operates on the principle of community support. Over $70,000 was raised to facilitate the store’s reopening, showcasing the commitment and unity of the local community.
Scott-Miller articulated this beautifully: “What better way to show this in action than to open our doors on a day where collective action has taken place?” The significance of timing speaks volumes about her dedication to honoring the principles of Black unity and economic empowerment.
A Space for Representation and Healing
Once opened, Liberation Station immediately became a beacon of representation, filled with shelves of books authored by Black writers. The importance of seeing oneself in stories cannot be overstated, especially for children of color. Scott-Miller believes that “speaking life into children surrounded by stories that represent them is healing.”
This sentiment transcends generations, offering spaces not only for children but also for adults—a healing place for those who might reflect on their own childhoods and wonder how different their journeys could have been with stories that resonated more deeply.
The Vision of Welcome and Belonging
Liberation Station is more than just a bookstore; it’s a sanctuary for narratives that affirm the worth and value of Black youth. Scott-Miller’s welcoming mantra, “Welcome home,” extends to everyone who steps through the door.
In her eloquent words, she expressed gratitude: “To every ancestor who dreamed of freedom made possible by this moment, thank you. You showed up to tell our children that you are worth this, you’re worth everything.” Each book, each story, and each interaction within the walls of Liberation Station serves as a testament to this powerful message.
In the process of reopening, Victoria Scott-Miller and her community have redefined what it means to come together, uplift one another, and cultivate spaces where dreams and representations flourish. As the next chapters unfold, Liberation Station will undoubtedly continue to be a focal point for inspiration, resilience, and an enduring commitment to community.