St. Hope Band 3
A Day of Purpose & Power: Community Gathers for Sac BlkLit Book Fest
This past weekend, over 160 community members attended the The Sac BlkLit Book Fest which brought together Black authors, readers, and publishing professionals to celebrate literature, culture, and community empowerment. Attendees heard from bestselling authors, publishers, and leadership experts about the power of storytelling. The speakers inspired guests with their insight on how to build a life of clarity, purpose, and impact and how to remain resilient through the most challenging times.
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Samantha Johnson, Class of 2008
Samantha Johnson is a 2008 graduate of Sac High, who attended St. HOPE Public Schools from 10th through 12th grade and is now the current Director of Academic Programs. During her time at Sac High, she was a student-athlete, playing on the basketball team and serving in student government. But it was her sophomore-year trip to Stanford that changed the course of her life. Inspired by the beauty of the campus and the encouragement of then-principal Mr. D, a Stanford alumnus, Samantha began to envision herself as a future student there.
Day Passes Now Available for the Oak Park Black Film Festival – October 7-12
Join us from October 7 to 12 for an unforgettable celebration of African-American stories and history through the power of cinema. The 4th 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!
Oak Park Speaker Series Returns with Two Amazing Authors
Moderated by Kevin Johnson
Renowned filmmaker and author Malcolm D. Lee
Sunday, September 28 · 3 – 4:30pm
The Guild Theater
Acclaimed writer, director, and producer Malcolm D. Lee is the creative force behind beloved films such as The Best Man, Roll Bounce, and Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, as well as the hit series The Best Man: The Final Chapter.
From Oak Park to Ghana: Sac High Scholar Gains Global Leadership Experience
President's Message - 9.18.25
At. St. HOPE we work hard to increase access and bring opportunities to the Oak Park community and I am thrilled that we were able to connect a Sac High scholar with the Youth Peace & Cultural Education Program hosted by Afripeace this past summer. The purpose of the program is to promote youth leadership through global education and a cultural immersion experience in Ghana. We believe that hands-on education is essential and were delighted that a Sac High scholar could participate in this cultural immersion program focused on developing peacebuilding and leadership skills.
Coming Soon: Oak Park Black Film Festival – October 7-12
VIP Tickets are available now and going fast!
McGeorge Law School Students Volunteer at St. HOPE
We were excited to host students for a volunteer day! As part of their orientation for the incoming class of law students, McGeorge Law School partnered with St. HOPE on a community service project. After getting an overview of St. HOPE and a tour of 40 Acres they headed over to Sac High to volunteer in the Corner Store where they assembled shelves and organized items. We were excited to further our partnership with McGeorge Law School and are grateful for all of their time and support.
PS7 Elementary is Now Modernized, State-of-the-Art Campus in Oak Park
St. HOPE Academy was instrumental in helping to secure $34 million in funding to renovate PS7 Elementary on Strawberry Lane. On August 27, we participated in a ribbon cutting to celebrate the transformed and modernized campus which includes:
The Sac BlkLit Book Fest is coming Saturday, September 13, 2025!
Formerly known as the Sacramento Black Book Fair, the event is returning to Oak Park as the Sac BlkLit Book Fest. The day-long event will be hosted by Underground Books and the Guild Theater at 40 Acres in Oak Park.
National Association Black Bookstores Launches
We are thrilled to announce that the National Association of Black
Bookstores (NAB2) has officially launched, becoming the
first national organization dedicated to supporting Black-owned
bookstores. NAB2 was founded by Mayor Kevin Johnson in honor of
his mom, Mother Rose, who founded Underground Books in 2003 and
passed away in December 2024.
Curtains Up at the Guild Theater
President's Message - 08.28.25
If you haven’t been to the Guild Theater – you are missing out! We were honored that the Guild Theater was recently featured in the Sacramento Observer. The article, Sacramento’s Guild Theater Has Showcased Black Culture For 110 Years, describes the theater’s history and legacy of bringing culturally relevant entertainment to our community.
Sacramento’s Guild Theater Has Showcased Black Culture For 110 Years
August 14, 2025
Through renovations, restorations, and origins dating more than a century, the Guild Theater has been a pillar of Oak Park, creating connections and memories across greater Sacramento.
Built in 1915, the theater was originally one of several movie houses that served Oak Park. After it sat vacant for many years, St. HOPE acquired the building in 2003 and brought new life and purpose to the space.
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Janna Thach, Class of 2008
Janna Thach’s time at Sac High marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and community empowerment. These values continue to define her career and personal mission today.
Coming Soon: Oak Park Black Film Festival
October 7-12, 2025
Join us from October 7 to October 12 for an unforgettable celebration of African-American stories and history through the power of cinema. The 4th 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!
Sacramento BlkLit Book Fest
Save the Date
Save the date for a full day celebrating Black literature, creativity, and community.
Saturday, September 13
10am-11am – Author Discussion (Underground Books)
Authors will discuss their new releases and be available for book
signings
11am-12pm – Writing While Black: Publishing, Platforms & Power
(Guild Theater)
A panel discussion with book industry professionals on the topic
of writing and publishing a book.
Upcoming Events at Underground Books
Register now for two inspiring evenings of conversation, storytelling, and connection at Underground Books
Being the Rays Under the Sun with My Tube Tiaterrice
Join us for an uplifting evening with author My Tube Tiaterrice as she presents her inspiring new release, Being the Rays Under the Sun. Through heartfelt reflections and powerful storytelling, Tiaterrice explores themes of resilience, self-love, and healing. Meet the author, hear about her journey, and get your book personally signed.
Thursday, July 31 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Register now
Thank You for Celebrating Juneteenth with Us!
We’re filled with gratitude to everyone who joined us for our Juneteenth celebration—it was a powerful day of community, culture, and joy as we celebrated Black history and excellence in Oak Park. The whole community enjoyed the family-friendly event that featured a kids zone, live music, black-owned vendors, cultural activities and of course amazing food! Click here to see photos and a highlights video. This event would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors:
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Eliana Argueta, Class of 2005
Eliana Argueta attended Sac High from 2001 to 2005, witnessing a major transformation during her time there. By her junior year, the school had transitioned from a traditional public high school into a public charter under the St. HOPE Public Schools umbrella. The school’s new focus on providing specialized programs meant that some of her friends moved to different buildings on campus, but it also gave students a unique opportunity to explore their specific interests.
Author Talk at Underground Books Features Verde Arzu
Join us on Sunday, June 29 from 1:00 – 3:30pm at Underground Books for a powerful afternoon with writer, poet, and educator Verde Arzu as she shares from her latest book, Promise Keeper. The book is a coming-of-age story about identity, conviction, and the promises we make to ourselves. Verde centers Black queer women in her work and publishes through her own imprint, RAINBOW EDITIONS LLC. We’re excited to feature Verde Arzu during Pride month – come meet the author, hear her story, and get your book signed!
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). Check out the video from last year!