Dev Corp: Home
7th Annual Sacramento Community Book Forum
Underground Books
Join us for the discussion on the impact of gun violence in the African American community with our panel speakers.
RSVP to attend the 7th Annual Sacramento Community Book Discussion special event under the auspices of the UC Davis 2019-20 Campus Community Book Project (CCBP) taking place on Tues-Jan 28th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Underground Books, 2814 35th Street in Sacramento. This event is free and open to the public.
Black Women Write Discussion and Book Signing
Underground Books
Join us for this exciting collection of women authors Sheryl Lister, Suzette Harrison, LaRhonda Crosby-Johnson and Dera R. Williams as they each discuss their newest novels.
Come learn how these African-American women got started as writers and their journey to become the authors they are today.
“Checkmate”: A theatrical stage play for men, women and children
Guild Theater
This performance will have you on the edge of your seat! Look forward to laughter, tears and action all rolled up into one. Based on true events.
Michael Marion “A Sketch”
Discussion and Book Signing
Please join us as local author Mike Marion discusses his first book of poetry selections.
A Tribute to Toni Morrison
Underground Books
Join us for this engaging discussion celebrating the life and work of the late Nobel Prize- and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, editor and professor Toni Morrison.
Sac State African American Studies professor Christine Montgomery, Ph.D will lead a series of readings, conversations and Q&A with fellow college professors Allia Griffin, Ph.D, Rosa Martinez, Ph.D and Alexandria White, M.A. in remembering the great Toni Morrison during her birthday month.
Children’s Storytime
Underground Books
Come join us on the last Saturday of each month from 12-1pm for Children’s Story time at Underground Books (2814 35th St.).
The free event is catered to children ages 3-10 and includes a book reading and an organized arts and crafts project. Kids also receive a free book!
Parents are welcome to attend and participate with their children.
Please visit our upcoming events section for future dates, or contact the bookstore for more information.
(916) 737-3333
Gregory Douglas “The Trilogy of The Boogie Men”
Discussion and Book Signing
Join us for a conversation with local author Gregory Douglas as he discusses his latest novel.
“The Trilogy of the Boogie Men” is a clever story about the boogie men in our lives, real or imagined. Dr. Gregory Douglas, a master of poetry, has begun to experiment with longer works of prose, tied together by a powerful theme. We hope this book will be the first of many of his books in this genre.
Book Signing with Dr. Chase Martin Moore “The Emotion, the Tree and Me: Your Guide to Discussing Emotional Health and Wellness with Your Children”
Underground Books
Join us as we welcome author Dr. Chase Martin Moore for a discussion about his latest book “The Emotion, The Tree and Me”
Social and emotional learning (SEL) enhances our youth’s capacity to connect with others (interpersonal skills), develop a healthy relationship with themselves (intrapersonal skills), and accurately perceive the world so they can manage behaviors and deal effectively and ethically with daily tasks and challenges (self-control).
Clifford Williams Discussion and Book Signing: “Pimps to Pops: A Story about Fatherhood”
Underground Books
Join us as we welcome Clifford Williams for a discussion about this latest novel “Pimps to Pops: A Story about Fatherhood”.
This is the fictional story of seven men, who in their lifetime were spoiled by the luxuries of fine women, fine wine and good times. They made their mark in their communities as Pimps, Playas, and Mack daddy’s. They were at the top of their game when it came to manipulating women to get what they wanted. Their goals were to make money at any cost and exploit others, particularly women, for prominence and sexual favors.
Book Signing with Myron J. Clifton “BLM-PD”
Underground Books
Join us as we welcome local author Myron J. Clifton to discuss his latest novel “BLM-PD: Revenge Was Inevitable”
WOMEN WILL LEAD THE REVOLUTION In the not too distant future, the US has been taken over by white nationalists, and the institutionalized racism that has underscored the country’s entire history has once again been codified.
Book Discussion and Signing with Doreen Procope “Be Inspired to Inspire”
Underground Books
Be Inspired to Inspire: A Collection of Faith-Based Poetry.
Be Inspired to Inspire by Doreen Procope chronicles the journey of a person who has minimal knowledge of God and desires to dig a little deeper. Your faith will be bolstered and greatly enhanced through this poetry.
7th Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair
Underground Books
The 7th Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair (SBBF) will be held in Sacramento, California, September 11th – 12th, 2020.
The Book Fair will begin at 6 PM, Friday, September 11th, with a reception at the Underground Book Store, followed by a panel of featured authors at the adjacent Guild Theater at 7 PM.
Oldest Suburb of Sacramento
1887
What started as the small vision of developer Edwin K. Alsip and the Oak Park Association, grew into Sacramento’s first full-fledged suburb.
Beginning in 1887, with an initial division of 56 whole or partial lots, Oak Park gained a reputation as a community build by hard-working citizens.
In the early 1900’s, most residents had blue collar jobs working for the railroads, state fair, canneries and the highway commission. During this time most residents were White, with scattered Blacks and Mexican Americans.
40 acres Art & Cultural Center Grand Opening
May 2003
St. HOPE’s largest economic development project opened with Underground Books, Uncle Jed’s Cut Hut, Starbucks and the Guild Theater.
40 Acres is the jewel of the SHDC efforts in the Oak Park community. The building was the historic Woodruff Hotel which was build in 1922 and was renovated by St. HOPE Development company in 2003.
The 23,000 sq. ft. mixed use facility includes:
- Guild Theater
- Underground Books
- Old Soul Coffee House
- Coopers Wine Bar
- Upper Room Apartments
St. HOPE Public Schools is Now Enrolling!
St. HOPE Public Schools is now accepting applications for the 2020-2021 Admissions Lottery for all grades TK – 12th! Apply now to secure your scholar’s spot in the Admissions Lottery on April 2, 2020. Please visit our website for more information on how to enroll your scholar in one of Sacramento’s top performing charter school networks!
Are updates to Oak Park sign of gentrification?
Part 3
ABC 10 - December 19, 2019
Keristen Holmes found out some Black-owned businesses are fighting back against gentrification. Watch the video here.
Christmas in Oak Park
By Xavier Mascareñas December 14, 2019 05:07PM
Christmas in Oak Park, hosted by St. HOPE, featured photos with “Black Santa” at Underground Books, and more holiday-themed activities at neighboring The Guild Theater, on Dec. 14, 2019, in the historic African American Sacramento neighborhood. See video here.
St. HOPE Puts Data To The Test, And Aces It
November 14, 2019
After a difficult past, the Oak Park neighborhood of Sacramento has been undergoing a revitalization. One longtime force in this renewal has been a nonprofit, St. HOPE, that has spent 30 years energizing public education and economic development aimed at helping resident families thrive.
First Look at the Brand New PS7 Elementary School
In the winter of 2018, PS7 Elementary was awarded a $25 million dollar grant for a new facility. Over the past year we have hired key members of the team (construction manager, architect, civil engineer) and have developed the preliminary design. Our goal is to create one of the finest school facilities in the Sacramento area!
1st Annual Back to School BBQ and Backpack Giveaway with Diamond Autosport
We are super thankful to have partnered with Diamond Autosport this year for a community barbecue and backpack giveaway that was held at McClatchy Park on August 9th. Hundreds of families came out for free delicious grub, backpacks, and school supplies. Children also participated in a basketball tournament and Diamond Autosport even brought a few of their most decked out vehicles for the kids to enjoy. Overall the event was a win for our community and we send a huge thank you out to Diamond Autosport for their partnership!
Fixins Soul Kitchen brings soul food and more to North Oak Park
8.15.19
A new spot to score soul food and more has opened for business in the neighborhood. Called Fixins Soul Kitchen, the new arrival is located at 3428 Third Ave. in North Oak Park.
Fixins Soul Kitchen specializes in comfort food. On the menu, you’ll find fried catfish, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, gumbo, chicken and waffles, mac and cheese and more.
With a five-star rating out of 18 reviews on Yelp so far, the new addition is on its way to developing a local fan base.
Sacramento’s Oak Park transformed: One organization and its $89 million footprint
Sac Bee Article by David Caraccio
Long-time Oak Park resident and activist Robbin Ware remembers that when he moved to the neighborhood, “there wasn’t a damn thing.”
“There wasn’t nothing here but gangs, drugs, drugs being sold,” said Ware, 82.
Nearly 20 years later, Oak Park has become a hotbed of investment and development. One organization in particular has been busy — St. Hope.
St. Hope turns 30 and self-sustaining
July 8, 2019
One week ago today, at 4 p.m., to be exact, former Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and his fellow dreamers quietly celebrated the 30th anniversary of the founding of St. Hope — which started as a summer program in a portable classroom for 12 African-American boys but became an economic and education turbo engine for what had been the historically neglected Oak Park.
New soul food restaurant opening soon in Oak Park. One of its backers is Kevin Johnson
Sac Bee Article by Benji Engel
How does a restaurant capture the flavor of a neighborhood steeped in history that’s simultaneously more in flux than any other part of Sacramento?
Fixins Soul Kitchen went straight to the source: Oak Park residents’ family recipes. When the restaurant opens in St. Hope’s 40 Acres building around the end of July, someone’s grandma’s fried chicken or biscuits will share menu space with creations from executive chef Melvin “Boots” Johnson’s mind, said St. Hope CEO/president Jake Mossawir.
As it Celebrates its 30 th Year, New Study Shows St. HOPE has Contributed More Than $400 Million to Local Economy
Infographic: "St. HOPE Making Its Mark on Oak Park & Sacramento"
Report: The Economic Impact of St. HOPE on the Greater Sacramento Area and the Oak Park Area
Report: "Quality of Life" in Oak Park Area with St. HOPE's Involvement in the Area
Report: The 30-Year Economic Impact of St. HOPE on the Greater Sacramento Area and the Oak Park Area
96% of Sac High Seniors Accepted to Four-Year Universities!
The Class of 2019 will be remembered as one of our most cohesive classes ever to walk through Sac High’s doors. The students from the Class of 2019 are as close as a true family who supported each other throughout the ups and downs of high school, ultimately emerging as graduates. Ninety-six percent of the seniors have been accepted to four-year universities across the nation, including 38 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, 21 California State University campuses, all nine of the University of California campuses, and 26 private and out of state colleges and universitie
PS7 Shows Off for First Art and Music Showcase
PS7 Elementary is always dedicated to bringing as many experiences to our scholars as possible. This year, we knew we wanted to increase the number of electives scholars had the opportunity to participate in while at the elementary school, so we added two — art and music. Throughout the year our scholars learned the various elements of art and music enabling them to present their first ever art and music production, “It’s A Creative World.”
6th Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair Celebration
The Sacramento Black Book Fair kicked off its 6th Annual event earlier this month in Oak Park and brought together African American authors and artists from all over to the community. This highly anticipated h two-day event included a panel discussion among featured authors, book signings, cultural and food vendors, children’s activities, poetry readings, art displays, and so much more.
A New Home for St. HOPE
As St. HOPE approaches its 30th anniversary serving the Oak Park Community, we can reflect back on the many locations we have called home. Many people still recall the original St. HOPE Academy after school building on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, which is now home to the SETA preschool. Others may remember the more corporate office space on 34th Street and 3rd avenue, which has since been completely remodeled and is now home to our friends at Valley Vision.
PS7 envisions their future selves!
PS7 Elementary hosted its first ever Career Day on Friday, April 19th! Our students dressed up as their future selves – teachers, pilots, music artists, athletes and more – and were able to explore and hear from professionals in and around the Oak Park community. As part of the learning experience, students had the opportunity to see an actual human brain thanks to researchers from UC Davis; they put in some sweat with a personal trainer; and, listened to each other’s heartbeats with a stethoscope like a pediatric nurse.
Student Diaries: The Impact of Notre Dame
Before winning the Transforming Youth through Travel scholarship by Context Travel, the only country outside of America I had visited was my parents’ homeland, Mexico. Paris is not what the movies or people make it seem to be, and it is certainly very different from both America and Mexico. My recent trip to Paris was amazing and life changing because I learned so much about the city’s history.
2019 Oak Park Block Party and Lottery Recap!
St. HOPE Public Schools recently celebrated its annual Admissions Lottery along with its first ever Oak Park Block Party held at the newly completed Esther’s Park. The Oak Park community gathered for a day of family-friendly fun, food trucks, and a live DJ. Incoming PS7 and Sacramento Charter High School scholars and families also had an opportunity to meet the St. HOPE staff during the Admissions Lottery.
Grand Opening of Esther’s Park
Last month St. HOPE officially launched its newest development, Esther’s Park! The park, located at 3408 Third Avenue, was created after the unfortunate fall of the historic Esther’s Bakery and will serve as an event space for hosting community gatherings. It is home to a beautiful mural done by Sacramento Charter High School alumni, Aizik Brown, which was part of last year’s Sacramento’s Wide Open Wall event.