As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday I wanted to share how grateful I am for your support and generosity as we collectively work to uplift Oak Park and the greater Sacramento community. I am excited to share with you our 2023–2025 annual report that provides a look back at the important work we have done over the past two years to bring jobs and economic development to an area that has historically been left behind.
We were thrilled to partner with St. HOPE Public Schools to help coordinate a weeklong trip for Sac High seniors to visit several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). On the trip scholars visited Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Morris Brown College, Alabama State University, and Tuskegee University and had a great time at Tuskegee’s annual Homecoming celebration and football game. They also explored museums, enjoyed southern food, and walked across the Selma Bridge – a moving experience for so many students.
As the holiday season kicks off, there’s no better time to celebrate the power of shopping local and supporting Underground Books! When you choose to support neighborhood businesses, you’re doing more than checking items off your gift list – you’re investing directly in the people, culture, and character that make our community special. Every purchase keeps dollars circulating close to home, helps sustain local jobs, and strengthens the vibrancy of places we care about.
Join Us for Christmas at 40 Acres to Celebrate the Holiday Season! Bring the family and celebrate the holidays at Christmas at 40 Acres on Saturday, December 13 from 11am – 2pm. Families are invited to enjoy a day filled with festive, fun, and creative activities and community connection. Children can take free photos with Santa, get their faces painted, and participate in hands-on holiday crafts designed to spark imagination and joy.
It was wonderful to see so many community members at our recent Speaker Series at Underground Books where Jayne Kennedy shared stories from her highly anticipated memoir, Plain Jayne. Jayne is a legendary actress, Emmy-winning broadcaster, and trailblazing icon and it was inspiring to hear her reflect on her groundbreaking rise—from small-town Ohio to becoming one of the first Black women to host national sports television. She shared her triumphs, struggles, and the legacy she built as a Black woman navigating fame, media, and identity on her own terms.