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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.
Walter Mosley Returns to Underground Books
Author Talk Featuring Featuring Walter Mosley
Thursday, May 28 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM | Guild Theater
Join us for a special live author talk with acclaimed writer Walter Mosley returns to Underground Books with the release of his new novel “Ghalen: A Romance in Black”.
This unique hybrid event will be in-person at the Guild Theater and also be streamed to 30 Black-owned bookstores nationwide and available for virtual viewers at home.
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.