St. Hope Band 3
Join Us for the 5th Annual Juneteenth Block Party on Saturday, June 14
You won’t want to miss St. HOPE’s annual Juneteenth Block Party on Saturday, June 14 from 4-9pm that will take place in and around the 40 Acres Complex in Oak Park (35th Street and Broadway). The free event will have activities for everyone including a kids zone, live music, black-owned vendors, cultural activities and of course amazing food! We have a great event lineup including:
The Legacy of Literacy: Celebrating Mother Rose
President's Message - 04.29.25
This month, we celebrate the birthday of Mother Rose (April 7), a beloved figure whose vision and resilience helped shape Underground Books into the cultural cornerstone it is today. Mother Rose believed in the power of literacy to transform lives. Her mission was never just about selling books, but about creating access—especially for those whose stories have often been overlooked. She filled the shelves of Underground Books with works by Black authors, historical voices, and emerging thinkers, cultivating a space where conversation and connection could thrive.
Sac High Scholars Visit Colleges During Spring Break
St. HOPE Academy recently hosted two trips for Sac High seniors to tour colleges to help them make decisions about their higher education options. One trip was to the Bay Area where scholars toured CSU East Bay, CSU Monterey Bay, San Francisco State, and San Jose State. On the Southern California trip, scholars visited UCLA, CSU Bakersfield, CSU Los Angeles, CSU Fullerton, Fresno State, and Long Beach State. A couple of the tours were even hosted by Sac High Alumni who are currently attending these schools.
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Shon Tyler, DDS, Class of 2008
Pipeline April 2025
Shon Tyler, DDS attended Sac High from 2004 to 2008, a pivotal time in the school’s history. His freshman year corresponded with St. HOPE’s transformation of Sac High into a charter school along with the opening of PS7, which now serves TK-8th grade scholars. The changes brought by St. HOPE were immediately noticeable, and Shon recalls how much the faculty cared about the students and their success. The new vision and initiatives resonated with both students and staff, creating a sense of purpose on campus.
Black History Month Events Recap: Reflecting on Heritage and Culture
February was an incredible month as we hosted a month-long celebration of the achievements, culture, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. From powerful speakers to engaging events for families, we recognized the achievements and resilience of Black leaders past and present.
St. HOPE Public Schools hosted events nearly every day during February to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and equity in our multicultural society.
Luxury or thrift? Sacramento High students practice financial literacy
February 20, 2025
About 200 students at Sacramento Charter High got some financial life lessons on Wednesday.
The school’s junior and senior classes participated in an immersive budget workshop as part of a financial literacy event held by Golden 1 Credit Union.
The students, assuming identities with specific professions and incomes, built personal budgets that included necessities such as housing, food, transportation and childcare.
Women in Leadership 2025: Cassandra Jennings
March 5, 2025
Cassandra Jennings
President and CEO, St. HOPE
All through school, Cassandra Jennings was a straight-A student. So when she got her first-ever B — in a college bowling class, of all things — she went to the instructor and argued (unsuccessfully) for a higher grade. More than 40 years later, she says with a laugh, “I’m still mad about it.” Now president and CEO of Sacramento’s St. HOPE, Jennings still has the attitude of the straight-A student she once was. “I’m a get-it-done sort of person,” she says. “I do what I do with a lot of passion, nonapologetically.”
Walking tour highlights Oak Park’s Black history and revitalization
A walking tour led by Dru Burks highlights Oak Park’s Black history, cultural landmarks and ongoing revitalization efforts.
OAK PARK, Calif. —
Oak Park is one of Sacramento’s most historic neighborhoods, and this Black History Month, a special walking tour is bringing its stories to life.
The tour of the 40 Acres Art and Cultural Complex takes participants through the legacy of Oak Park. Leading the tour is Sacramento comedian Dru Burks, who shares the history behind this cultural hub. The hour-long tour kicks off at the historic Guild Theater.
Sacramento community pillar Mother Rose honored with celebration of life: “Our jobs to continue her legacy”
January 23, 2025
SACRAMENTO — Over 1,000 people gathered at St. Paul Church in Sacramento on Thursday for a celebration of life for Georgia Peat West, better known to the community as “Mother Rose.”
Mother Rose died after a battle with cancer last month at age 75.
“She was generous with her time,” said Cassandra Jennings, the CEO of St. Hope, the nonprofit Mother Rose was involved in.
Underground Books owner, mom of Sacramento’s first Black mayor honored at memorial
January 25, 2025
Former Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said his mother Georgia Rose Peat West likely was saying, “Dang K, you trying to send me home on a rocket ship?” as she looked down on the service celebrating her life on Thursday at Saint Paul Baptist Church.
Gospel luminaries Tramaine Hawkins, BeBecq Winans and Erica Campbell (formerly of Mary Mary) each honored West’s life and comforted her sons Johnson and Ronald West with songs such as “Goin’ Up Yonder” and “Stand.”
Oak Park community celebrates life of Georgia West, known as ‘Mother Rose’
January 23, 2025
The mother of former Mayor Kevin Johnson owned Underground Books and was known for her graciousness and openness.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Georgia West, known as “Mother Rose,” is being remembered for her impact on the Oak Park community.
Scores of people gathered in Sacramento Thursday to celebrate the life of West, who died from cancer at 75.
Georgia ‘Mother Rose’ West Given Her Flowers
January 25, 2025
There were tears, but it was the sharing of heartfelt memories, laughter and rousing renditions of old sweet gospel songs that will keep local bookstore owner Georgia West on attendees’ minds.
More than a thousand people gathered at St. Paul Missionary Baptist church Thursday to pay respect to West, a faithful member, who was known affectionately in the community as Mother Rose. West, 75, died on December 23 after a courageous, mostly silent, 10-year battle with cancer.
Grammy Award Winning Gospel Artists to Perform at Georgia “Mother Rose” West Celebration of Life
Thursday, January 23, 2025
The community is invited to come together for a special Celebration of Life honoring the remarkable legacy of Mother Rose on Thursday, January 23, from 10 AM to 1 PM at St. Paul Baptist Church, located at 3996 14th Avenue.
This heartfelt event promises to be a joyful tribute, featuring performances from three Grammy Award-winning gospel legends:
Memory Book
Share a favorite Memory
If you met Mother Rose, you definitely have a favorite memory or photo(s). We’d love to hear about them!
Click the link below to share a photo or your favorite memory of Mother Rose.
Mother Rose in the News
Local Media Remembers Mother Rose
Please click to learn more about Mother Rose featured in the Sacramento Media:
Recent News
The Sacramento Observer – January 3, 2025
‘Mother Rose’ Georgia West, Mother Of Sacramento’s First Black Mayor, Passes
The Sacramento Bee – December 24, 2024
Mother Rose Legacy Fund
Help to Continue her Passion for Literacy & Community
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for supporters consider one of the following:
Make a Tax Deductible Donation to St. HOPE Academy (501c3)
Purchase a Book from Mother Rose’s Favorite Reading List
Purchase a Book for the Angel Tree to give the gift of literacy to an Oak Park Youth
Georgia “Mother Rose” West, Matriarch of Sacramento’s Oak Park Neighborhood, Passes Away
Georgia "Mother Rose" West (1949-2024)
With profound sadness we announce the passing of Georgia “Mother Rose” West on December 23, 2024. Mother Rose was a well-known pillar in the Oak Park community helping our region thrive by ensuring cultural diversity. Mother Rose was the owner/operator of Underground Books, part of the 40 Acres Cultural Center at 35th Street and Broadway. Known as the “literary hub of Oak Park”, Underground Books provides programs and learning opportunities for the community and contributes toward ensuring all children have the same access to education and knowledge.
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Alexandra Gallegos, Class of 2024
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Alexandra Gallegos, Class of 2024
Alexandra Gallegos attended St. HOPE Public Schools since the sixth grade. She was the 2024 Sac High valedictorian and student body Vice President and is now attending UC Berkeley. She attributes her accomplishments to the rigorous academic program and high standards set by the teachers and administrators at St. HOPE Public Schools.
Join Us for Christmas at 40 Acres to Celebrate the Holiday Season!
We are hosting our annual Christmas at 40 Acres, a multicultural community celebration with activities for kids and people of all ages. This festive event which features Underground Books, Guild Theater, Fixins Soul Kitchen, Old Soul Co., and World Class Faders Barbershop is a great way to kick off the holiday season.
Shop Talk Lately Featuring Sacramento Native Keith Powers
Guild Theater
Shop Talk Lately is a live, community-centered discussion series hosted by entrepreneur Sebastian Jackson, designed to blend barbershop culture with engaging conversations among cultural icons and innovators. Held in intimate theaters across the U.S., the show combines entertainment, audience participation, and stories of resilience to empower and unite communities, especially the Black community. This installment features actor and model Keith Powers, known for his roles in Straight Outta Compton, The New Edition Story, and Uglies.