Underground Books: Home
“Best of Sac High Art Exhibition”
Featuring Sac High Scholars
The exhibit showcases the school year’s best work by students attending Sacramento High School. The exhibit is a board cross-spectrum of talented youth – freshmen to seniors, as well as a diverse representation form art pathways on Sac High’s campus.
The Best of Sac High is a juried completion of nearly 150 works submitted, of which only 61 were selected for display. The exhibit represents a diverse range of artistic media, including: drawing, photography, paintings, and digital prints.
Sacramento Black Book Fair
Blue Nile Press
Fifth Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair (SBBF)
CREATING A LEGACY
Fourth-Annual Community Read-In Project
Join us and participate in the 2017-18 Community Read-In Project by the SBBF
“Yes I Did!” Paint and Sip
Presented by Underground Books and Ebony London Art Studio
Back by popular demand!
Underground Books and Ebony London are BACK by popular demand!
Get ready for a creative event that encourages self-discovery, self-acceptance and self-love! This is not your ordinary “Paint and Sip” night!
Imagine that you are entering a room full of people that doubted you! People that said you couldn’t do it! People that said you weren’t good enough, attractive enough or intelligent enough! Would you walk into that room with your head hanging low and your body slouched over?
Byron Pitts
Oak Park Speaker Series
The Oak Park Speaker Series is proud to present well-known broadcast journalist Byron Pitts.
6pm – Speaker Series (Guild Theater – 2828 35th Street)
7pm – Book Signing (Underground Books – 2814 35th Street)
Note: MUST purchase book from Underground Books to attend book signing.
Children’s Storytime
Come join us on the last Saturday of each month from 12-1pm for Children’s Story time at Underground Books (2814 35th St.) hosted by the River City Road Runners.
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.
“Black Fatherhood: Trials and Tribulations, Testimony and Triumph”
By Khalil White
Fatherhood is one of the most challenging jobs in the world, and it becomes even tougher when one must combat harmful stereotypes.
“Saved at Fifty-one”
By Dr. Cardell C. Portis
You may see my glory, but you don’t know my story.
Before he was saved on September 2, 2007, Dr. Cardell C. Portis lived his life like the devil was in him.
At 9, Dr. Portis took his first drink. At 17, he was unaware of demons latching on to him after a friend performed a satanic ritual. In the army, he was a womanizer and a thief. But when a brutal truck accident caused some brain damage, his life took a particularly dark turn.
Terry McMillan
Oak Park Speaker Series
The Oak Park Speaker Series is proud to present well-known author Terry McMillan.
6pm – Speaker Series (Guild Theater – 2828 35th Street)
7pm – Book Signing (Underground Books – 2814 35th Street)
Note: MUST purchase book from Underground Books to attend book signing.
“Mean Time Love: A Women’s Journey From Self-Loathe to Self-Love”
By Anita Ross
In Mean Time Love: A Woman’s Journey from Self-Loathe to Self Love, Anita gives you an unfilltered, raw peek into her soul. She shares the breakthrough principles and practices that she used to rescue herself from the quicksand of low self-esteem and victim mentality to skyrocket herself to the mountaintop of total self acceptance and unconditional love.
Carla Harris
Oak Park Speaker Series
The Oak Park Speaker Series proudly presents well-known Vice Chairman Carla Harris.
6pm – Speaker Series (Guild Theater – 2828 35th Street)
7pm – Book Signing (Underground Books – 2814 35th Street)
Note: MUST purchase book from Underground Books to attend book signing.
Behold the Dreamers: A Novel
By Imbolo Mbue
A compulsively readable debut novel about marriage, immigration, class, race, and the trapdoors in the American Dream—the unforgettable story of a young Cameroonian couple making a new life in New York just as the Great Recession upends the economy
New York Times Bestseller • Winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award • Longlisted for the PEN/Open Book Award • An ALA Notable Book
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY
Ira Crumb Makes a Pretty Good Friend
By Naseem Hrab
Meet Ira Crumb. He’s the new kid in town. He knows what that means: when the new school year starts, he’ll play alone at recess, eat alone at lunch, and walk home alone at the end of the day. So Ira launches a whole-hearted campaign to befriend neighborhood kids before the first day. But his best-laid plans ― A sandwich stand! A dance-off! ― fall flat, and playing it cool doesn’t seem to work either.
The Memo: Five Rules for Your Economic Liberation
By John Hope Bryant
True power in this world comes from economic independence, but too many people have too much month left at the end of their money. John Hope Bryant, founder and CEO of Operation HOPE, illuminates the path toward liberation that is hiding in plain sight. His message is simple: the supermajority of people who live in poverty, whom Bryant calls the invisible class, as well as millions in the struggling middle class, haven’t gotten “the memo”—until now.
The Last Black Unicorn
By Tiffany Haddish
From stand-up comedian, actress, and breakout star of Girls Trip, Tiffany Haddish, comes The Last Black Unicorn, a sidesplitting, hysterical, edgy, and unflinching collection of (extremely) personal essays, as fearless as the author herself. Growing up in one of the poorest neighborhoods of South Central Los Angeles, Tiffany learned to survive by making people laugh. If she could do that, then her classmates would let her copy their homework, the other foster kids she lived with wouldn’t beat her up, and she might even get a boyfriend.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
By Vashti Harrison
This beautifully illustrated book introduces reader of all ages to 40 women who changed the world.
Real American: A Memoir
By Julie Lythcott-Haims
“Courageous, achingly honest.”
―Michelle Alexander, New York Times bestselling author of The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
“A compelling, incisive and thoughtful examination of race, origin and what it means to be called an American. Engaging, heartfelt and beautifully written, Lythcott-Haims explores the American spectrum of identity with refreshing courage and compassion.”
―Bryan Stevenson, New York Times bestselling author of Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
Beyond the Messy Truth: How We Came Apart, How We Come Together
By Van Jones
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A passionate manifesto that exposes hypocrisy on both sides of the political divide and points a way out of the tribalism that is tearing America apart—by the CNN political contributor and host hailed as “a star of the 2016 campaign” (The New York Times) who coined the term “whitelash”
Hacks
By Donna Brazile
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“Explosive… A blistering tell-all.”—Washington Post
“People should sit up, take notes and change things.”—Ace Smith, Los Angeles Times
“Brazile most certainly has a story to tell…. Vivid.”—The Guardian
From Donna Brazile, former DNC chair and legendary political operative, an explosive and revealing new look at the 2016 election: the first insider account of the Russian hacking of the DNC and the missteps by the Clinton campaign and Obama administration that enabled a Trump victory.
The Nutcracker in Harlem
By T.E. McMorrow and James Ransome
This jazz-inspired reinvention of The Nutcracker is a worthy tribute to the dreamlike wonder and magic of the Christmas season.
In this original retelling, set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, one little girl finds her voice as a musician thanks to her enchanting adventures with a magical toy.
100 Amazing Facts About the Negro with Complete Proof: A Short Cut to The World History of The Negro
By J. A. Rogers
First published in 1934 and revised in 1962, this book gathers journalist and historian Joel Augustus Rogers’ columns from the syndicated newspaper feature titled Your History. Patterned after the look of Ripley’s popular Believe It or Not the multiple vignettes in each episode recount short items from Rogers’s research. The feature began in the Pittsburgh Courier in November 1934 and ran through the 1960s.
We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy
By Ta-Nehisi Coates
In these “urgently relevant essays,”* the National Book Award–winning author of Between the World and Me “reflects on race, Barack Obama’s presidency and its jarring aftermath”*—including the election of Donald Trump.
The Mother of Black Hollywood
By Jenifer Lewis
From her more than three hundred appearances for film and television, stage and cabaret, performing comedy or drama, as an unforgettable lead or a scene stealing supporting character, Jenifer Lewis has established herself as one of the most respected, admired, talented, and versatile entertainers working today.
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
By Neil De Grasse Tyson
But the story of these present-day eight years is not just about presidential politics. This book also examines the new voices, ideas, and movements for justice that emerged over this period—and the effects of the persistent, haunting shadow of our nation’s old and
The #1 New York Times Bestseller: The essential universe, from our most celebrated and beloved astrophysicist.
The Obama’s: The White House Years
By Essence Magazine
On November 4, 2008, Senator Obama was elected as the 44th President of the United States. Over the next eight years, he and his family would transform our nation, change the face of the White House, and transfix millions of supporters.
We’re Going to Need More Wine
By Gabrielle Union
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“A book of essays as raw and honest as anyone has ever produced.” — Lena Dunham, Lenny Letter
In the spirit of Amy Poehler’s Yes Please, Lena Dunham’s Not That Kind of Girl, and Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist, a powerful collection of essays about gender, sexuality, race, beauty, Hollywood, and what it means to be a modern woman.
Higher is Waiting
By Tyler Perry
An intimate book of inspiration by the one and only Tyler Perry—actor, producer, director, philanthropist, and the creator of Madea
Higher Is Waiting is a spiritual guidebook, a collection of teachings culled from the experiences of a lifetime, meant to inspire readers to climb higher in their own lives and pull themselves up to a better, more fulfilling place. In this intimate book, Tyler Perry writes of how his faith has sustained him in hard times, centered him in good times, and enriched his life.
Face 2 Face
By Lula Brown
Many of us are hurting and struggling through life’s storms. It can sometimes feel as though we are experiencing the wilderness alone. Circumstances arise suddenly and unexpectedly in life that can bring us to our knees. It is there where we have a deep desire to pray and seek God in prayer, but it’s hard to find the words and how to say them escapes us. Even if we are familiar with how to pray, devastating trials can take away thought patterns and leave us longing for the right words to say to our Lord.
Defining Moments in Black History / Reading Between The Lies
By Dick Gregory
With his trademark acerbic wit, incisive humor, and infectious paranoia, one of our foremost comedians and most politically engaged civil rights activists looks back at 100 key events from the complicated history of black America.
Sing, Unburied, Sing
By Jesmyn Ward
“The heart of Jesmyn Ward’s Sing, Unburied, Sing is story—the yearning for a narrative to help us understand ourselves, the pain of the gaps we’ll never fill, the truths that are failed by words and must be translated through ritual and song…Ward’s writing throbs with life, grief, and love, and this book is the kind that makes you ache to return to it.” —Buzzfeed
The Origin of Others
By Toni Morrison and Ta-Nehisi Coates
America’s foremost novelist reflects on the themes that preoccupy her work and increasingly dominate national and world politics: race, fear, borders, the mass movement of peoples, the desire for belonging. What is race and why does it matter? What motivates the human tendency to construct Others? Why does the presence of Others make us so afraid?
Sac High Staff gets “Lunch on Us!”
Sac High Staff was awarded “Lunch on Us” from Schools Financial Credit Union in March as a way to acknowledge their hard work and influence on campus.
Speaker Series Returns to Oak Park
In partnership with Underground Books and the Greater Sacramento Urban League, the inaugural Oak Park Speaker Series is proud to announce an exciting lineup of speakers including Roland Martin, Byron Pitts, Terry McMillan and Carla Harris. Individual tickets and sponsorships are now available for the 4-part series that will launch on May 9 at the Guild Theater.
Big Day of Giving to Help Transform the Sac High Library!
May 3rd marks the Big Day of Giving and for St. HOPE a day of HOPE and anticipation!
Student Section: Reflecting on Gun Violence
Last month Sac High participated in the “National School Walkout” during which students across the country walked out of school to honor the 17 victims shot and killed at Stoneman Douglas High School in February. The walkout was initiated as a call to the U.S. government to pass stricter gun control laws. Here’s what one student had to say about it:
Sac High Tackles the Regional Science Bowl!
Sac High freshman biology students tackled the Regional Science Bowl hosted at Cordova High School on February 24th. After months of anticipating acceptance as an eligible team, the group of young men began to prepare intensely, studying every day during lunch and after school for the competition. They eagerly counted the days until the competition, discussing the new topics they had learned since they began practicing two months prior. The Dragon competitors studied concepts from basic biology to college level physics to ensure they were prepared to compete in the program.
Oral History Night
Oral History Night is Oak Park Preparatory Academy’s annual celebration of Black History Month. The night consists of students sharing inspiring stories about challenges they have faced in their lives, and how they plan to use those experiences to motivate them to achieve future success. There is also a portion of the night when students and families compete in the “Who Am I” challenge in which they are given various bios of famous African Americans and must guess who they are.
#GTDragons Rise
It is common for professional athletes and local teams to support the communities in which they live and play. Sac High and St. HOPE have certainly received generous support from local teams such as the Kings and FC Republic, and from players like DeMarcus Cousins. These relationships have produced plenty of photo ops and check presentations, not to mention incredibly exciting opportunities for St. HOPE students. This has been no more evident by the recent addition of Garrett Temple to the Kings roster. Like Mr. Cousins before him, Mr.
All-Star Spotlight: Q & A with Anaiyah Cabrellis!
All-Star Spotlight: Q & A with Anaiyah Cabrellis!
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: My name is Anaiyah and I’m 16. I’m the Junior Class President at Sac High, and an intern at Underground Books. I like to read, write and draw, and my favorite subjects are history and math.
Q: Awesome! What else are you involved in on campus?
College? Yes Please.
PS7 Middle School scholars had the opportunity to visit three college campuses this month! PS7 sixth graders went to UC Davis, 7th graders went to UC Berkeley, and 8th graders went to Stanford. At each college, scholars participated in a campus tour, explored each campus, visited the bookstore, and played games in the quad. Scholars learned all about the majors and programs offered at each school, the requirements to get into each school, life as a college freshman, and extracurricular activities available at each school.
Even Dragons Have Grandmas
When one thinks of Sac High athletics, one’s mind likely first flashes to images of players streaking to victory down the football field or basketball court, to the banners that line the walls of the gym, and to the pictures of the students who pursued college and professional careers following their time at Sac High.
Sac High Shadow Days Kick-Off!
The Sac High Shadow Day Program kicked off earlier this month by hosting eighth graders (Class of 2022) from St. HOPE’s very own Oak Park Prep Academy. The Shadow Day Program is a terrific opportunity for interested eighth graders to learn firsthand what it means to be a Sac High Dragon. Shadow Days at Sac High offer a fun and illuminating way to connect with current Sac High scholars, meet diverse leaders on campus and learn about specific courses and programs offered only at Sac High.
Black to the Future Dialogue
Underground Books celebrated Black History Month with a panel discussion led by well-known artist Milton Bowens, Dr. Torry Winn of UC Davis’ Transformative Justice in Education Center (TJE) and Dr. Teresa Aldredge of the Los Rios Community College System.
College Track Center Stage: Violet Walker
Violet Walker is a Senior at Sac High and part of the original founding cohort of College Track Sacramento. She completed her college applications last semester and is excitedly awaiting her results. She has already been accepted to Tuskegee University, Wilberforce University, Virginia State, West Virginia State, Chico State, and Benedict College. Her top choices are UC Merced, UC Davis, or Humboldt State. While waiting on the rest of her acceptances, she is busy applying for numerous scholarships. She wants to study medicine and eventually become a veterinarian.
AP Biology Students Study Plant Physiology and Breathe Success
Do you ever wonder why leaves really turn colors in the fall? And how plants actually produce the oxygen we breathe and need to live? If you run into a Sac High AP Biology student this New Year, she/he should be able to give you an explanation that would satisfy a college biology instructor!
Gregg Popovich Meets St. HOPE
To close out 2017, St. HOPE held its annual fundraiser with a special HOPE for the Holidays Soiree. A capacity audience over 250 people attended the event at the new Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in downtown Sacramento. The soiree featured NBA coaching legend Gregg Popovich, who shared his views, opinions and experiences about a variety of topics.
Sac High Alumni Come Home for the Holidays
Sac High Alumni made their presence known at the 2017 St. HOPE Elite Hoop Classic this December and closed out the year in great company and fun!
High Achieving Dragons Make Their Mark in Downtown Sacramento
This past December, 9th grade scholars with the highest GPA of Sac High’s Class of 2021 were rewarded with a special “Golden Ticket” inviting them to a fancy trip downtown!
Dragons Train with Grit for SAT
On Friday, November 10, while most Sac High staff enjoyed the day off in honor of our veterans, 96 juniors showed up at 8am to take the first of three SAT practice tests. Ms. Bostick, Mr. Marks and the junior grade level team built momentum and created a sense of urgency around preparing for the real test in April. The four hour experience was grueling but the results will be worth the effort.
PS7 Surprise Project
While students and teachers were on Fall Break, several staff members from PS7 Elementary and the St. HOPE Public Schools Home Office participated in a two-day campus improvement service project as a surprise for returning students. The 5,360 square foot space, which was overgrown with dead grass and weeds for years, was transformed into a beautiful outdoor quad that will be used as an outdoor classroom and lunch area for students.
2017 CAASPP Data Release
The eagerly anticipated SHPS state test results were officially released September 27th. While student performance for most of the State of California flat-lined this year, the overall percentage of SHPS scholars meeting or exceeding the standard went up six percentage points in English Language Arts and two percentage points in Math.