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Celebrating Mother Rose and the Power of Black Bookstores
President's Message - 04.06.26
Tomorrow – April 7 – we celebrate the birthday of our beloved Mother Rose, whose vision and resilience helped shape Underground Books into a cultural cornerstone. Please join us at Underground Books tomorrow for a mini banana pudding with any book purchase in honor of her birthday. It is fitting that tomorrow is also National Black Bookstore Day – a nationwide celebration.
Let’s Read Oak Park Featuring Angel Boone
Let’s Read Oak Park Featuring Angel Boone
Saturday, April 11| 10-11 AM | Underground Books
Join us at Underground Books as we welcome author Angel Boone to share her delightful and encouraging story Pre School Independence. Angel’s book gently guides young children through the big emotions and brave moments that come with taking their first steps toward independence. Her storytelling is warm, relatable, and perfect for families preparing little ones for preschool or early learning adventures.
Author Talk Featuring Tony Browder: The Browder Perspective
We hope you will join us for an evening of history, insight, and conversation with acclaimed author and cultural historian Tony Browder who is coming to Underground Books on Saturday, April 18 from 6-8pm. Tony has dedicated his life to researching and sharing the untold stories of African and African American history. During this engaging conversation, he will share insights from his work and discuss themes explored in his book A Browder Perspective, offering powerful reflections on history, identity, and cultural legacy.
Author Talk with Adrian Miller
Underground Books
Join award-winning author and culinary historian Adrian Miller for an evening exploring African American culinary history and culture.
During this event, Miller will share insights on the origins and evolution of soul food, the cultural significance behind it, and the stories of African Americans who have shaped American cuisine—from home kitchens to the White House.
Talking About Autism in The Black Community
Underground Books & ART-TISM presentation
You’re Invited: A Community Conversation on Autism in the Black Community
Presented by Underground Books April 22 • 6:00–8:00 PM
Underground Books & Art-Tism invites you to a powerful and necessary conversation about Autism in the Black community. Our goal is to bring people together and create a safe, supportive space for learning, sharing, and understanding.
Walter Mosley Coming Soon!
Join us for an unforgettable night on Thursday, May 28 as Walter shares about his new book Ghalen: A Romance in Black, a beautiful coming-of-age novel that explores love in all forms – romantic, familial, and platonic, centered on one Black family, including a neurodivergent man, and the found bonds that helps ground them. Walter is the author of more than sixty critically acclaimed books and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear from him!
Tickets released on April 28!
2026 Juneteenth at 40 Acres
St. HOPE Academy
Celebrate the history and legacy of Juneteenth with us at the 2026 Juneteenth Block Party at 40 Acres.
Experience a day filled with music, culture, and community in the heart of Oak Park. Enjoy live DJs, local food trucks, a wine and beer garden, and a marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses. Families can also enjoy games and activities at Esther’s Park hosted by St. HOPE Public Schools.
This free, in-person event is all about connection, celebration, and community.
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Aray’aSunshine Hamilton – Class of 2023
Aray’aSunshine (Araya) Hamilton’s journey with St. HOPE Public Schools began early. She started at PS7 Middle School in 6th grade and graduated from Sac High in 2023.
During her time at Sac High, Araya was involved in both academics and student life. She played basketball as a freshman, volunteered with clubs and groups, assisted in the Dean’s office, and supported her peers as both a counselor and tutor. Her willingness to step up and help others quickly became a defining part of her high school experience.