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. It brings together bookstores, publishers, authors, partners, and readers to uplift Black-owned bookstores, expand their visibility, and support their long-term sustainability.

Mother Rose believed deeply in the power of literacy to change lives. Her work was never about just selling books – it was about opening doors and creating access, especially for voices and stories that have too often gone unheard. Through her vision, Underground Books became a place filled with works by Black authors, historical voices, and emerging thinkers -a space where conversation, connection, and community truly grows. 

You can see a list of Mother Rose’s favorite books on the Underground Books website. Mother Rose showed us that one book can ignite change and because of her, we continue to turn pages, broaden perspectives, and strengthen our community.

In community,

Cassandra H.B. Jennings

President and CEO

St. HOPE