St. HOPE: Home
Author Talk & Book Signing featuring: Marisa Atha
Underground Books Presents
You’re Invited!
Join us at Underground Books for a special book signing with author Marisa Atha, celebrating her powerful novel, Written on the Wall.
Sunday, October 19 , 2025
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Underground Books | 2814 35th Street, Sacramento, CA
Free and open to the public.
This moving story follows the lives of four women as they navigate love, family, and the complexities of self-discovery. With heartfelt storytelling and unforgettable characters, Marisa explores the emotional landscapes of resilience and connection.
Speaker Series Featuring: Jayne Kennedy
Underground Books Presents
You’re Invited!
Join us at Underground Books for a powerful evening with legendary actress, Emmy-winning broadcaster, and trailblazing icon Jayne Kennedy as she shares stories from her highly anticipated memoir, Plain Jayne
In this bold and deeply personal book, Jayne reflects on her groundbreaking rise—from small-town Ohio to becoming one of the first Black women to host national sports television. She opens up about her triumphs, struggles, and the legacy she built as a Black woman navigating fame, media, and identity on her own terms.
Author Talk & Book Signing featuring: Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd
Underground Books Presents
You’re Invited!
Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 1:00 – 3:30 PM
Underground Books, Oak Park
An Afternoon with Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd: Black Self Love & Reparations
Join us for a special Author Talk and Book Signing from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM featuring the acclaimed writer and activist, Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd, at the heart of our community, Underground Books. This intimate event will provide a unique opportunity to engage with Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd as he delves into the powerful themes of his compelling works.
Author Talk & Book Signing featuring: Hayley Dennings
Underground Books Presents
You’re Invited!
Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Underground Books, Oak Park
Join us at Underground Books for a special evening with author Hayley Dennings, celebrating the release of Our Vicious Descent — the stunning conclusion to the bestselling Ravenous Fate duology.
In this thrilling finale, Elise Saint and Layla Quinn must uncover the truths behind an alluring poison and confront the monstrous new presence ravaging New York City.
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.
Author Talk & Book Signing featuring: Linda González
Underground Books Presents
You’re Invited!
Sunday, November 09, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Underground Books, Oak Park
In Rest Like a Giant Tree: Be Happy in the Midst of So Much, author, coach, and equity consultant Linda González (she/ella) offers a powerful collection of essays that blend personal reflection, social justice, and spiritual practice. Drawing from her lived experiences and work with BIPOC writers, Linda invites readers to stay grounded in the present, find joy amid struggle, and embrace each act of resistance as a step toward healing and liberation.
Author Talk & Book Signing featuring: Dwight Taylor
Underground Books Presents
You’re Invited!
Join us for an inspiring book signing with Dwight Taylor, Sr.,
TEDx speaker, #1 Amazon bestselling author, and communication
coach endorsed by Les Brown. Discover insights on building
stronger relationships, boosting personal and professional
growth, and creating a positive impact in your life. Meet Dwight,
get your copy signed, and leave motivated to unlock new
possibilities! Sunday, November 13 , 2025
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Underground Books | 2814 35th Street, Sacramento, CA
Free and open to the public.
Author Talk & Book Signing featuring: Dr. Vanessa Grubbs
Underground Books Presents
You’re Invited!
Thursday November 20, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Underground Books, Oak Park
Join us at Underground Books for an inspiring evening with Dr. Vanessa Grubbs—physician, activist, and author—as she signs copies of her powerful new book exposing the roots of racism in American medicine and calling for true systemic change.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from Dr. Grubbs, ask questions, and get your signed copy. All are welcome!
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.
St. HOPE Academy Founded by Kevin Johnson
July 1989
St. HOPE began in 1989 as an afterschool program in a portable classroom at Sacramento High School
After 13 years, St. HOPE realized that an after school program simply wasn’t enough to dramatically improve the academic outcomes of children, that it would be necessary to establish and run our own schools.
In 2003, St. HOPE Public Schools was founded as a preK-12 independent charter school district that provides high-quality education to nearly 2,000 students.
St. HOPE Facility Grand Opening
January 1992
7,000 square foot facility opening at 4101 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
40 acres Art & Cultural Center Grand Opening
May 2003
St. HOPE’s largest economic development project opened with Underground Books, Uncle Jed’s Cut Hut, Starbucks and the Guild Theater.
40 Acres is the jewel of the SHDC efforts in the Oak Park community. The building was the historic Woodruff Hotel which was build in 1922 and was renovated by St. HOPE Development company in 2003.
The 23,000 sq. ft. mixed use facility includes:
- Guild Theater
- Underground Books
- Old Soul Coffee House
- Coopers Wine Bar
- Upper Room Apartments
Increasing College Exposure for SHPS Scholars
We are proud to partner with St. HOPE Public Schools to coordinate a weeklong trip for Sac High seniors to visit several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The trip includes cultural excursions, museum outings, and visits to Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Morris Brown College, Alabama State University, and Tuskegee University culminating with Tuskegee’s annual Homecoming celebration and football game.
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Shenise McKnight (Wigfall), Class of 2008
Shenise McKnight (Wigfall), a proud member of the Sac High Class
of 2008, has never shied away from a challenge or an opportunity.
During her four years at Sac High, she made her mark in every way
possible: serving as Student Body President, participating in the
Small School Senate, as captain of the cheerleading team,
competing in track and field, dancing with the 34th Street Dance
Company, and acting as a student spokesperson at public events.
Her dedication and leadership earned her the St. HOPE Student of
the Year award in 2008.
Honoring Hispanic Heritage: Celebrating Culture and Community at St. HOPE
President's Message - 10.14.25
We just wrapped up celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and I am thrilled that St. HOPE Academy was able to help bring engaging, hands-on programming to St. HOPE Public Schools scholars to foster cultural awareness, inclusion, and pride among its scholars. We had a wonderful Read Aloud event at PS7 Elementary School where community leaders read books from Hispanic authors to young scholars. We also helped organize an Alebrije paint activity inspired by Mexican folk art and cooking events featuring traditional Latin American dishes for middle school and high school scholars.
A Day of Purpose & Power: Community Gathers for Sac BlkLit Book Fest
This past weekend, over 160 community members attended the The Sac BlkLit Book Fest which brought together Black authors, readers, and publishing professionals to celebrate literature, culture, and community empowerment. Attendees heard from bestselling authors, publishers, and leadership experts about the power of storytelling. The speakers inspired guests with their insight on how to build a life of clarity, purpose, and impact and how to remain resilient through the most challenging times.
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Samantha Johnson, Class of 2008
Samantha Johnson is a 2008 graduate of Sac High, who attended St. HOPE Public Schools from 10th through 12th grade and is now the current Director of Academic Programs. During her time at Sac High, she was a student-athlete, playing on the basketball team and serving in student government. But it was her sophomore-year trip to Stanford that changed the course of her life. Inspired by the beauty of the campus and the encouragement of then-principal Mr. D, a Stanford alumnus, Samantha began to envision herself as a future student there.
Day Passes Now Available for the Oak Park Black Film Festival – October 7-12
Join us from October 7 to 12 for an unforgettable celebration of African-American stories and history through the power of cinema. The 4th annual 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. Connect with filmmakers and engage in enriching discussions that honor the richness and diversity of African-American culture. Don’t miss this extraordinary event at the heart of Oak Park!
Oak Park Speaker Series Returns with Two Amazing Authors
Moderated by Kevin Johnson
Renowned filmmaker and author Malcolm D. Lee
Sunday, September 28 · 3 – 4:30pm
The Guild Theater
Acclaimed writer, director, and producer Malcolm D. Lee is the creative force behind beloved films such as The Best Man, Roll Bounce, and Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, as well as the hit series The Best Man: The Final Chapter.
From Oak Park to Ghana: Sac High Scholar Gains Global Leadership Experience
President's Message - 9.18.25
At. St. HOPE we work hard to increase access and bring opportunities to the Oak Park community and I am thrilled that we were able to connect a Sac High scholar with the Youth Peace & Cultural Education Program hosted by Afripeace this past summer. The purpose of the program is to promote youth leadership through global education and a cultural immersion experience in Ghana. We believe that hands-on education is essential and were delighted that a Sac High scholar could participate in this cultural immersion program focused on developing peacebuilding and leadership skills.
Coming Soon: Oak Park Black Film Festival – October 7-12
VIP Tickets are available now and going fast!
McGeorge Law School Students Volunteer at St. HOPE
We were excited to host students for a volunteer day! As part of their orientation for the incoming class of law students, McGeorge Law School partnered with St. HOPE on a community service project. After getting an overview of St. HOPE and a tour of 40 Acres they headed over to Sac High to volunteer in the Corner Store where they assembled shelves and organized items. We were excited to further our partnership with McGeorge Law School and are grateful for all of their time and support.
PS7 Elementary is Now Modernized, State-of-the-Art Campus in Oak Park
St. HOPE Academy was instrumental in helping to secure $34 million in funding to renovate PS7 Elementary on Strawberry Lane. On August 27, we participated in a ribbon cutting to celebrate the transformed and modernized campus which includes:
The Sac BlkLit Book Fest is coming Saturday, September 13, 2025!
Formerly known as the Sacramento Black Book Fair, the event is returning to Oak Park as the Sac BlkLit Book Fest. The day-long event will be hosted by Underground Books and the Guild Theater at 40 Acres in Oak Park.
National Association Black Bookstores Launches
We are thrilled to announce that the National Association of Black
Bookstores (NAB2) has officially launched, becoming the
first national organization dedicated to supporting Black-owned
bookstores. NAB2 was founded by Mayor Kevin Johnson in honor of
his mom, Mother Rose, who founded Underground Books in 2003 and
passed away in December 2024.
Curtains Up at the Guild Theater
President's Message - 08.28.25
If you haven’t been to the Guild Theater – you are missing out! We were honored that the Guild Theater was recently featured in the Sacramento Observer. The article, Sacramento’s Guild Theater Has Showcased Black Culture For 110 Years, describes the theater’s history and legacy of bringing culturally relevant entertainment to our community.
Sacramento’s Guild Theater Has Showcased Black Culture For 110 Years
August 14, 2025
Through renovations, restorations, and origins dating more than a century, the Guild Theater has been a pillar of Oak Park, creating connections and memories across greater Sacramento.
Built in 1915, the theater was originally one of several movie houses that served Oak Park. After it sat vacant for many years, St. HOPE acquired the building in 2003 and brought new life and purpose to the space.
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Janna Thach, Class of 2008
Janna Thach’s time at Sac High marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and community empowerment. These values continue to define her career and personal mission today.
Coming Soon: Oak Park Black Film Festival
October 7-12, 2025
Join us from October 7 to October 12 for an unforgettable celebration of African-American stories and history through the power of cinema. The 4th annual 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. Connect with filmmakers and engage in enriching discussions that honor the richness and diversity of African-American culture. Don’t miss this extraordinary event at the heart of Oak Park!
Sacramento BlkLit Book Fest
Save the Date
Save the date for a full day celebrating Black literature, creativity, and community.
Saturday, September 13
10am-11am – Author Discussion (Underground Books)
Authors will discuss their new releases and be available for book
signings
11am-12pm – Writing While Black: Publishing, Platforms & Power
(Guild Theater)
A panel discussion with book industry professionals on the topic
of writing and publishing a book.
Upcoming Events at Underground Books
Register now for two inspiring evenings of conversation, storytelling, and connection at Underground Books
Being the Rays Under the Sun with My Tube Tiaterrice
Join us for an uplifting evening with author My Tube Tiaterrice as she presents her inspiring new release, Being the Rays Under the Sun. Through heartfelt reflections and powerful storytelling, Tiaterrice explores themes of resilience, self-love, and healing. Meet the author, hear about her journey, and get your book personally signed.
Thursday, July 31 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Register now
Thank You for Celebrating Juneteenth with Us!
We’re filled with gratitude to everyone who joined us for our Juneteenth celebration—it was a powerful day of community, culture, and joy as we celebrated Black history and excellence in Oak Park. The whole community enjoyed the family-friendly event that featured a kids zone, live music, black-owned vendors, cultural activities and of course amazing food! Click here to see photos and a highlights video. This event would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors: