St. HOPE: Home

Community Event

Author Talk featuring Charlene Johnson
Underground Books Presents

Join us at Underground Books for a powerful and uplifting author event with Coach Charlene Johnson, featuring her latest book When the Moment Chooses You. Through a live reading and discussion, Charlene will share her journey of resilience, purpose, and leadership in the face of adversity. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation, ask questions, and get their books personally signed. This event is perfect for anyone seeking inspiration to rise, speak out, and make an impact.This FREE event is open to all—come celebrate, connect, and honor Black h

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us for a free family movie matinee at the Guild Theater on Sunday, May 4, at 2 PM, featuring Sonic the Hedgehog 3. In this exciting new installment, Sonic teams up with his friends to face off against new enemies and save the world from danger. Packed with thrilling action, humor, and heart, Sonic 3 promises a fun-filled experience for audiences of all ages. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of adventure and excitement at the Guild Theater!

Event

Comedy Night
Guild Theater

Join us for a night of nonstop laughter on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Hosted by Sacramento’s own Dru Burks, this comedy event features a stellar lineup:

Alvin Duke – Clever, sharp, and sure to keep you laughing.

Hannibal Thompson – A seasoned comedian and actor with worldwide experience, from USO tours to top comedy clubs.

Headliner: EastSide IVO – Viral comedy sensation with millions of followers.

Time:
Doors open at 7:00 PM | Show starts at 8:00 PM

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us for a free family movie matinee at the Guild Theater on Sunday, June 1, at 2 PM, featuring Minions: The Rise of Gru. In this hilarious sequel, young Gru teams up with his mischievous Minions as he embarks on an adventure to become the world’s greatest supervillain. Filled with laughter, action, and heart, this film is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled afternoon at the Guild Theater!

Register now for this free event! 

Community Event

2025 Juneteenth Block Party at 40 Acres
St. HOPE Academy

Join us on June 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the historic 40 Acres Complex for a dynamic celebration of freedom, culture, and community.

Enjoy live performances by Lucky Witherspoon, Sol Development, and Digital Underground, along with food trucks, local vendors, and a Black-owned business marketplace.

Experience the Stylistics Car Show, craft beer tasting from Oak Park Brewery, and a fun-filled kids’ play space hosted by St. HOPE Public Schools at Esther’s Park.

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us for a free family movie matinee at the Guild Theater on Sunday, August 3, at 2 PM, featuring Moana 2. In this exciting sequel, Moana returns to the seas on a new adventure, facing fresh challenges and discovering more about her heritage and the power of her people. Filled with stunning visuals, captivating music, and an inspiring story, Moana 2 is a perfect film for audiences of all ages. Bring the whole family for a memorable afternoon at the Guild Theater!

Register now!

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us at the Guild Theater on Sunday, September 7, at 2 PM for a free family movie matinee featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. This action-packed animated adventure follows Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael as they step out of the shadows to protect their city from a mysterious crime syndicate. With thrilling battles, humor, and heart, this film is perfect for all ages. Bring the whole family and enjoy an exciting afternoon at the theater!

Register Now

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us at the Guild Theater on Sunday, October 5, at 2 PM for a free family movie matinee featuring Hocus Pocus 2. The Sanderson sisters are back in this fun and magical sequel, bringing new adventures and mischief to Salem. After being accidentally resurrected, the witches must be stopped before they cast a spell over the town once again. Filled with humor, magic, and Halloween spirit, this film is perfect for the whole family. Do not miss this special afternoon at the theater! 

 

Community Event

Oak Park Black Film Festival 2025
Guild Theater

Join us from October 7 to October 12, 2025, for an unforgettable celebration of African-American stories and history through the power of cinema. The Oak Park Black Film Festival shines a spotlight on the voices of African-American filmmakers, featuring an inspiring lineup of independent feature films, thought-provoking documentaries, and captivating short films.

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us at the Guild Theater on Sunday, November 2, at 2 PM for a free family movie matinee featuring The Wild Robot. This heartwarming adventure brings Peter Brown’s beloved book to life, following Roz, a robot stranded on a remote island who must learn to survive and connect with the wildlife around her. Filled with breathtaking animation, action, and touching moments, this film is perfect for audiences of all ages. Do not miss this unforgettable story of discovery, friendship, and resilience on the big screen. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of excitement and wonder.

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us at the Guild Theater on Sunday, December 7, at 2 PM for a free family movie matinee featuring The Grinch. Experience the heartwarming and hilarious story of the Grinch as he plots to steal Christmas from the cheerful residents of Whoville. With stunning animation, festive spirit, and a message about the true meaning of the holiday season, this film is perfect for the whole family. Do not miss this fun and magical afternoon at the movies.

Register now

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Inspire U Academy Brings Summer Learning to Life for St. HOPE Scholars

This summer St. HOPE will again be hosting FREE 2-week camps for PS7 Middle School scholars to enjoy swim lessons, dancing, painting, cooking, music, STEAM activities, and more. We will also have credit recovery and academic programs for our scholars who need additional support before the next school year.

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Meet Dru Burks: The Guild Theater’s Resident Comedian

Long before he took center stage at the Guild Theater, Dru Burks was one of St. HOPE’s first students. Enrolled in the organization’s original summer program back in 1989, Dru’s connection to St. HOPE runs deep—so much so that he often says it’s “in his blood.” Today, he’s helping shape that same community, now as the Guild Theater Manager, a role he officially stepped into in 2018.

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The Legacy of Literacy: Celebrating Mother Rose
President's Message - 04.29.25

This month, we celebrate the birthday of Mother Rose (April 7), a beloved figure whose vision and resilience helped shape Underground Books into the cultural cornerstone it is today. Mother Rose believed in the power of literacy to transform lives. Her mission was never just about selling books, but about creating access—especially for those whose stories have often been overlooked. She filled the shelves of Underground Books with works by Black authors, historical voices, and emerging thinkers, cultivating a space where conversation and connection could thrive. 

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Sac High Scholars Visit Colleges During Spring Break

St. HOPE Academy recently hosted two trips for Sac High seniors to tour colleges to help them make decisions about their higher education options. One trip was to the Bay Area where scholars toured CSU East Bay, CSU Monterey Bay, San Francisco State, and San Jose State. On the Southern California trip, scholars visited UCLA, CSU Bakersfield, CSU Los Angeles, CSU Fullerton, Fresno State, and Long Beach State. A couple of the tours were even hosted by Sac High Alumni who are currently attending these schools. 

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Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Shon Tyler, DDS, Class of 2008
Pipeline April 2025

Shon Tyler, DDS attended Sac High from 2004 to 2008, a pivotal time in the school’s history. His freshman year corresponded with St. HOPE’s transformation of Sac High into a charter school along with the opening of PS7, which now serves TK-8th grade scholars. The changes brought by St. HOPE were immediately noticeable, and Shon recalls how much the faculty cared about the students and their success. The new vision and initiatives resonated with both students and staff, creating a sense of purpose on campus.

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Black History Month Events Recap: Reflecting on Heritage and Culture

February was an incredible month as we hosted a month-long celebration of the achievements, culture, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. From powerful speakers to engaging events for families, we recognized the achievements and resilience of Black leaders past and present.

St. HOPE Public Schools hosted events nearly every day during February to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and equity in our multicultural society.

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Cassandra Jennings Recognized as One of Comstock Magazine’s 2025 Women in Leadership

We are thrilled that our very own Cassandra Jennings is named one of Comstock Magazine’s 2025 Women Leaders. Cassandra joins nine trailblazers including Jita Pandya Buno, Associate COO of UC Davis Health, Ann Patterson, Governor Newsom’s Cabinet Secretary, and Faye Nabhani, President and CEO of Safe Credit Union, who were all recognized for their perseverance, dedication, and commitment to success. Judy Farrah, editor of Comstock’s Magazine, said determination was the throughline that connected the Women in Leadership Class of 2025. 

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Honoring the Women Who Lead: Celebrating Their Impact at St. HOPE
President's Message - 03.31.25

As we close out Women’s History Month, I’ve been reflecting on the enormous contributions women leaders make to St. HOPE each and every day, from the female Principals who run Sac High, PS7 Middle School, and PS7 Elementary to the St. HOPE Public Schools Superintendent to the women leaders at St. HOPE Academy to all of the women who sit on our board of directors. You all provide guidance and inspiration daily and demonstrate an unwavering commitment and dedication to our mission. Thank you! 

Article The Sacramento BeeBy HECTOR AMEZCUA

Luxury or thrift? Sacramento High students practice financial literacy
February 20, 2025

About 200 students at Sacramento Charter High got some financial life lessons on Wednesday.

The school’s junior and senior classes participated in an immersive budget workshop as part of a financial literacy event held by Golden 1 Credit Union.

The students, assuming identities with specific professions and incomes, built personal budgets that included necessities such as housing, food, transportation and childcare.

Article Comstock MagazineBy Marybeth Bizjak

Women in Leadership 2025: Cassandra Jennings
March 5, 2025

Cassandra Jennings

President and CEO, St. HOPE

All through school, Cassandra Jennings was a straight-A student. So when she got her first-ever B — in a college bowling class, of all things — she went to the instructor and argued (unsuccessfully) for a higher grade. More than 40 years later, she says with a laugh, “I’m still mad about it.” Now president and CEO of Sacramento’s St. HOPE, Jennings still has the attitude of the straight-A student she once was. “I’m a get-it-done sort of person,” she says. “I do what I do with a lot of passion, nonapologetically.”

Article ABC 10February 20, 2025

Walking tour highlights Oak Park’s Black history and revitalization
A walking tour led by Dru Burks highlights Oak Park’s Black history, cultural landmarks and ongoing revitalization efforts.

OAK PARK, Calif. —

Oak Park is one of Sacramento’s most historic neighborhoods, and this Black History Month, a special walking tour is bringing its stories to life.

The tour of the 40 Acres Art and Cultural Complex takes participants through the legacy of Oak Park. Leading the tour is Sacramento comedian Dru Burks, who shares the history behind this cultural hub. The hour-long tour kicks off at the historic Guild Theater. 

Article CBS 13By Tori Apodaca

Sacramento community pillar Mother Rose honored with celebration of life: “Our jobs to continue her legacy”
January 23, 2025

Click here for the full video

SACRAMENTO — Over 1,000 people gathered at St. Paul Church in Sacramento on Thursday for a celebration of life for Georgia Peat West, better known to the community as “Mother Rose.”

Mother Rose died after a battle with cancer last month at age 75. 

“She was generous with her time,” said Cassandra Jennings, the CEO of St. Hope, the nonprofit Mother Rose was involved in. 

Article The Sacramento BeeCathie Anderson

Underground Books owner, mom of Sacramento’s first Black mayor honored at memorial
January 25, 2025

Former Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said his mother Georgia Rose Peat West likely was saying, “Dang K, you trying to send me home on a rocket ship?” as she looked down on the service celebrating her life on Thursday at Saint Paul Baptist Church.

Gospel luminaries Tramaine Hawkins, BeBecq Winans and Erica Campbell (formerly of Mary Mary) each honored West’s life and comforted her sons Johnson and Ronald West with songs such as “Goin’ Up Yonder” and “Stand.”

Article KCRA Ch. 3Mike TeSelle

Oak Park community celebrates life of Georgia West, known as ‘Mother Rose’
January 23, 2025

Click Here for the Full Video

The mother of former Mayor Kevin Johnson owned Underground Books and was known for her graciousness and openness.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Georgia West, known as “Mother Rose,” is being remembered for her impact on the Oak Park community.

Scores of people gathered in Sacramento Thursday to celebrate the life of West, who died from cancer at 75.

Article The Sacramento Observerby Genoa Barrow

Georgia ‘Mother Rose’ West Given Her Flowers
January 25, 2025

There were tears, but it was the sharing of heartfelt memories, laughter and rousing renditions of old sweet gospel songs that will keep local bookstore owner Georgia West on attendees’ minds.

More than a thousand people gathered at St. Paul Missionary Baptist church Thursday to pay respect to West, a faithful member, who was known affectionately in the community as Mother Rose. West, 75, died on December 23 after a courageous, mostly silent, 10-year battle with cancer. 

Pipeline Newsletter

Grammy Award Winning Gospel Artists to Perform at Georgia “Mother Rose” West Celebration of Life
Thursday, January 23, 2025

The community is invited to come together for a special Celebration of Life honoring the remarkable legacy of Mother Rose on Thursday, January 23, from 10 AM to 1 PM at St. Paul Baptist Church, located at 3996 14th Avenue.

This heartfelt event promises to be a joyful tribute, featuring performances from three Grammy Award-winning gospel legends:

Tramaine Hawkins

Bebe Winans