St. Hope Band 1
Dr. Ibram X Kendi Author Talk
Underground Books
Join Underground Books on September 10 for an evening with National Book Award–winning author and historian Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. Dr. Kendi will share insights on his book, Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age, exploring how interconnected ideologies shape modern politics and power structures. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from one of today’s leading public intellectuals in an intimate community setting.
Author Talk Sheryl Lister – Exclusive Giveaways
Underground Books
Join author Sheryl Lister at Underground Books on Sept 17, 6 PM for an Author Talk on her novel All My Sisters and Me. Signing follows!
Pre-Order for Perks & Exclusive Color and Sip.
Author Talk featuring Tamaira “Miss Tee” Sandifer
Underground Books
Step out of invisibility & embrace the will to win!
Across our culture, many people face a silent crisis: unwanted invisibility. Unlike chosen moments of rest, this invisibility is imposed by trauma, rejection, survival, and difficult circumstances. It teaches capable, resilient individuals to shrink, perform, and stay safe – convincing them that they are not meant to be fully seen, heard, or expressed.
About the Book
Let’s Read Oak Park featuring Sylvia Walker
Underground Books
Let’s Read Oak Park: Storytime with Sylvia Walker
Let’s Read Oak Park (LROP) is Underground Books’ monthly literacy program designed to inspire a love of reading in children while bringing families together through stories and creativity.
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 AM, we’re excited to welcome Sylvia Walker, author of Hair to Share and The Umbrella. Sylvia will share her heartwarming stories that encourage kindness, friendship, confidence, and embracing what makes each of us unique.
Author Talk featuring Maureen Smith
Underground Books
Author Talk: An Afternoon with Maureen Smith
Spend the afternoon in community as Maureen Smith shares Maureen’s Life Story: Loss, Surrender, and Self‑Discovery. From 2–3:30 PM, Maureen invites us into a deeply personal journey—one shaped by courage, reflection, and the strength it takes to rebuild. This author talk offers space for connection, healing, and honest conversation, leaving attendees inspired and grounded.
2026 Oak Park Black Film Festival
Guild Theater
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of African-American stories and history through the power of cinema.
The 5th 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! Get your tickets now.
Tutti Fruitti: A Tribute to Little Richard
Guild Theater
Tutti Fruitti: A Tribute to Little Richard
Get ready to rock and roll all night with Tutti Fruitti – an electrifying tribute to the one and only Little Richard! Dedrick Weathersby returns to the Guild Theater for a night filled with wild energy, classic hits, and the unstoppable spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled, foot-stomping tribute that’ll have you shouting “A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop!” all night long!
Author Talk Featurnig Teddy Riley
Underground Books
Join us for an in-person chat with the amazing Teddy Riley! Get the scoop on his latest work, hear some cool stories, and maybe ask a question or two. It’s a chill chance to hang out and dive into the world of writing with a pro. Don’t miss out on this awesome event!
Grammy Award–winning R&B and hip-hop legend Teddy Riley recounts his journey from growing up in the projects in Harlem to inventing the genre New Jack Swing, selling out shows at Madison Square Garden, and creating music for Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell, and more.
Sisters of Nia: Black History Month Talent Show
Guild Theater
Enjoy an evening of youth creativity and entertainment as talented performers ages 11–15 take the stage for the Sisters of Nia Youth Talent Show. The event features music, dance, spoken word, and more, celebrating confidence, artistry, and community.
Snacks, drinks, and Sisters of Nia swag will be available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting programs that empower youth through leadership, culture, and self-expression.
Women’s Seminar: Your Financial Journey
Guild Theater
Women’s Seminar: Your Financial Journey is an empowering evening focused on financial equity, confidence, and women supporting women, presented as part of the 40 Acres Black History Month programming and hosted by Malonn Barnes.
The event features a Financial Equity Workshop followed by Her Power, Her Path, a panel discussion with community leaders Deneva Shelton and Azizza Davis Goines, highlighting leadership, wealth-building, and community impact.
February 24 · 5:00 PM PST
Walking Tour of Oak Park’s 40 Acres
Guild Theater
As part of Black History Month at 40 Acres, experience a guided walking tour through Oak Park’s cultural cornerstone, led by Sacramento comedian Dru Burks.
Beginning at the historic Guild Theater, this one-hour tour explores the people, places, and movements that shaped Oak Park into the vibrant cultural hub it is today. Guests will walk through the 40 Acres Art and Cultural Complex, highlighting landmarks such as Underground Books, Old Soul Co., Fixins Soul Kitchen, and more, while learning about Oak Park’s history, resilience, and ongoing revitalization.
Crafted by Culture: Bourbon Tasting
Fixin's Soul Kitchen
Celebrate Black History Month with an intimate bourbon tasting featuring John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits at Fixins Soul Kitchen. This special evening highlights a Black family-owned brand founded by John Lee Hooker’s daughter and grandson, honoring the legendary blues icon through craftsmanship, culture, and storytelling.
Coffee & A Gift Mondays
Underground Books
Coffee & A Gift Mondays is a special Black History Month promotion celebrating Black culture, community, and small businesses at the 40 Acres Art and Cultural Complex.
Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom – Film Screening & Discussion
Guild Theater
Celebrate Juneteenth with us at 40 Acres at Juneteenth Faith and Freedom, a film screening and discussion honoring Black history, culture, and freedom. This award winning documentary by filmmaker Ya’Ke Smith explores the legacy of Juneteenth through faith, resilience, and lived history, followed by a live conversation after the film. Free and open to the community.
The Homeownership Mindset: Buyers & Sellers
Guild Theater
The Homeownership Mindset: Buyers & Sellers is a free community event presented as part of the 40 Acres Black History Month programming, taking place on February 10 from 6:00–8:00 PM at the historic Guild Theater.
Let’s Read Oak Park Featuring Author Nikki Shannon-Smith
Underground Books
Family Movie Matinee: The Wiz
Sunday, February 1 at 2:00 PM
The Guild Theater
Join us for a free family-friendly movie matinee at the historic Guild Theater featuring the beloved musical classic The Wiz.
Black Cinema Film Series: Love and Basketball
Guild Theater
Love, basketball, and ambition collide in this iconic story of growth, dreams, and connection.
The Guild Theater presents Love & Basketball as part of the Black Cinema Film Series during Black History Month at the historic 40 Acres Complex.
This beloved film explores love, ambition, and identity through the intertwined lives of two childhood friends whose relationship unfolds on and off the basketball court. With heart, honesty, and cultural impact, Love & Basketball remains a defining story of Black love, perseverance, and self-discovery.