Underground Books: Home
Children’s Storytime
Books, games and activities for kids ages 3-10.
Sponsored by River City Road Runners
Underground Books (2814 35th Street)
12pm-1pm
(916) 737-3333
Isaac Serwanga “How to Network in College”
Discussion and Book Signing
Securing the perfect post-graduate job opportunity. Finding irreplaceable mentors. Building lifelong friendships with students of various backgrounds. These are just a few of the advantages you can experience by applying the principles of networking. A practical guide for the 21st-century college student, How to Network in College will show you step-by-step how to attract the right kinds of people into your life from the time you set foot on campus all the way up until commencement day.
James Alfred Bradford “What in the hell do you want?”
Discussion and Book Signing
What in Hell Do You Want? is taken from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus with a surprising twist. Hell can be in your mind. Hell can be in your job. Hell can be a living, breathing part of you. Hell can also be stopped. Good habits are learned just like bad habits–through practice.
It brings awareness of the decisions and choices a person makes and their impact on his life.
The power of knowing is what you live by. The rich man lived abundantly, and Lazarus lived in obscurity. Why?
2017 Seeds of HOPE Harvest Dinner
Location: The Sac High Garden
Our Annual Seeds of HOPE Fundraising dinner will take place on Thursday, August 10th, 2017 in the school garden at Sacramento Charter High. This beautiful summer harvest meal sponsored by Chef Patrick Mulvaney and prepared and served by Chef Adam Pechal and our Edible Sac High students.
Art Talk: Walter Anderson “Long Road to Freedom”
With Watler Anderson and Moderated by Milton 510 Bowens
Children’s Storytime
Books, games and activities for kids ages 3-10.
Sponsored by River City Road Runners
Underground Books (2814 35th Street)
12pm-1pm
(916) 737-3333
Children’s Storytime
Books, games and activities for kids ages 3-10.
Sponsored by River City Road Runners
Underground Books (2814 35th Street)
12pm-1pm
(916) 737-3333
Tracy Sanders “Natural Hair in the Workplace”
Discussion and Book Signing
If you have natural hair, transitioning to natural hair, or interested in natural hair topics, this book is a must read. This book provides an overview of federal and state employment discrimination laws in the United States. You will learn more about rights and obligations related to natural hair as an employee. You may gain added knowledge and awareness as an employer. You may be inspired through real-life stories. Hypotheticals, case studies, and practical tips help you navigate natural hair in the workplace.
Children’s Storytime
Books, games and activities for kids ages 3-10.
Sponsored by River City Road Runners
Underground Books (2814 35th Street)
12pm-1pm
(916) 737-3333
Children’s Storytime
Books, games and activities for kids ages 3-10.
Sponsored by River City Road Runners
Underground Books (2814 35th Street)
12pm-1pm
(916) 737-3333
Breathless
By Beverly Jenkins
A strong-willed beauty finds herself in the arms of the handsome drifter from her past, in this second book in the sizzling series set in the Old West, from USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins
You are a Badass How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness And Start Living an Awesome Life
By Jen Sincero
In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and world-traveling success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up 27 bite-sized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word.
I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons
By Kevin Hart
Superstar comedian and Hollywood box office star Kevin Hart turns his immense talent to the written word by writing some words. Some of those words include: the, a, for, above, and eveneven. Put them together and you have the funniest, most heartfelt, and most inspirational memoir on survival, success, and the importance of believing in yourself since Old Yeller.
The question you’re probably asking yourself right now is: What does Kevin Hart have that a book also has?
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarcerration in the age of colorblindness
By Michelle Alexander
“As the United States celebrates the nation’s ‘triumph over race’ with the election of Barack Obama, the majority of young black men in major American cities are locked behind bars or have been labeled felons for life. Although Jim Crow laws have been wiped off the books, an astounding percentage of the African American community remains trapped in a subordinate status — much like their grandparents before them.”
I Like Myself!
By Karen Beaumont
High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves–inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here’s a little girl who knows what really matters.
At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont’s joyous rhyming text and David Catrow’s wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful–and straight from the heart.
The Mothers: A Novel
By Brit Bennett
A dazzling debut novel from an exciting new voice, The Mothersis a surprising story about young love, a big secret in a small community—and the things that ultimately haunt us most. Set within a contemporary black community in Southern California, Brit Bennett’s mesmerizing first novel is an emotionally perceptive story about community, love, and ambition. It begins with a secret.
Food, Health and Happiness – Winfrey, Oprah
Oprah Winfrey will be the first to tell you, she has had a complicated relationship with food. It’s been both a source of delight and comfort for her, but also the cause of an ongoing struggle with her weight. InFood, Health, and Happiness, Oprah shares the recipes that have allowed eating to finally be joyful for her.
Between the World and Me
Ta-Nehisi Coates
“In a profound work that pivots from the biggest questions about American history and ideals to the most intimate concerns of a father for his son, Ta-Nehisi Coates offers a powerful new framework for understanding our nations history and current crisis.”
Meet Malcolm Brown
Malcolm Brown joined the St. HOPE Family this summer as the Managing Director of Operations. Learn more about Malcolm and his journey to St. HOPE in the brief interview below.
Malcom, tell us about where you come from and what’s prepared you for your new role?
Scholars Intern in Oak Park
While most students are sleeping in and hanging out with friends, a group of 12 scholars entering their senior year at Sac High participated in the new St. HOPE Oak Park Internship Program. The pilot program connects students with various nonprofit organizations all located in the Oak Park neighborhood for a 4-week volunteer internship of 12-15 hours per week.
Oak Park Prep Scholar Grows Over Five Grade Levels in Reading
Our Oak Park Prep scholars spend two years with us, and during each and every one of those days, all of them know our mission, which can be summed up in one word: growth.
We have always placed a special emphasis on literacy. Our scholars receive two specially designed ELA classes daily. One class focuses on rigorous, grade level content while the other meets them where they are, at their individual reading level. We believe this method enhances growth and promotes a culture of learning.
DeMarcus Cousins & VSP Global Host Basketball Camp at Sac High
New Orleans Pelican, NBA All Star, and 2016 Olympic gold medalist DeMarcus Cousins (DMC) has seen his share of successes. As a former Sacramento King, his impact was always a topic of debate. His on-court persona has been at odds with his off the court demeanor. Regardless of your opinion, one truth is evident; DeMarcus Cousins has kept his promise to the Sacramento youth who saw him develop as a professional into the superstar he has become.
Students excel at Sacramento High School
There’s been a dramatic turnaround at Sacramento High School.
Fourteen years ago, it was in danger of closing. Now, it’s a charter school with 800 students operating under St. Hope Public Schools. About 95 percent of all graduating seniors have been accepted into four-year colleges or universities for the second consecutive year.
One-third of all the students at Sacramento High School are from the surrounding neighborhood of Oak Park. But because it’s a charter school, Sacramento High must accept everyone who applies.
What is Cousins’ legacy? With Kings, it’s debatable. In Oak Park, it’s ‘everlasting.’
DeMarcus Cousins’ love for Sacramento did not end the day he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.
He’s still connected to the many friends he made in nearly seven years, and he’s still loyal to the children and families cared for as if they were his own. That’s why Cousins was at Sacramento High School on Wednesday, working up a sweat and having fun with over 200 children for the DeMarcus Cousins Elite Skills Camp, which was free to all youth who registered and included an eye exam from VSP and glasses for those who need them.
Senior Signing Day
Sac High seniors from the Class of 2017, joined by their families and other supporters, came together for the fifth annual Senior Signing Day Event on May 26th. This is one of Sac High’s showcase events and allows graduating scholars a platform to proclaim to the rest of the student body, as well as PS7 and Oak Park Prep students, where they will be attending college following graduation.
The Sacramento Black Book Fair
On June 2-3, 2017 Underground Books partnered with Blue Nile Press to present the 4th Annual Sacramento Black Book Fair!
Learning Beyond the Classroom
One of the many things that makes St. HOPE Public Schools special is having the nearby 40 Acres cultural center as an extension to school campuses. Following on the heels of a successful Best of Sac High student art exhibit, several Freshman Honors English classes visited 40 Acres as a field lesson to explore the artwork of their peers as well as tour the various St. HOPE Development Company projects.
Sac High Students Meet with NASA
On May 22nd, a few of our very own Sac High 9th graders had the amazing opportunity to Skype with astrobiologist, Shawn Domagal-Goldman, from NASA. Scholars filled Sac High’s Mel Lawson Theater, anxiously waiting to meet the scientist and converse with him about sustaining life on Mars. Students came prepared with a variety of questions pondered in the previous weeks of class.
Domina Stamas, educator working with NASA
This article was published on 05.18.17.
Domina Stamas has a question for her ninth-grade science students at Sac High: How would you make Mars a sustainable living space for humans? It’s a tall order, but with a wild payoff. When the school year ends, her kids will be presenting their best models to the NASA scientists working to get an American on the red planet by the 2030s. It’s not your everyday biology unit. But, then, Stamas isn’t your everyday teacher.
Staff Appreciation Week
St. HOPE Public Schools went all out in its celebration of teachers and staff during this year’s annual staff appreciation week May 1st through May 5th. The party began early as staff gathered for a day of what they thought was going to be serious work time, but were later surprised with activities like bowling and brunch, tours of the Crocker Art Museum and excitement at K1 Speed Zone. Overall, staff members were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed a fun day to kick off a week of appreciation.
Scholars Win Public Speaking Contest
On April 29, six dynamic Sac High Dragons competed in the inaugural Jack and Jill of America, Sacramento Chapter, Oratorical Contest, aimed at getting youth in the community to use public speaking as a way to showcase their leadership skills, as well as public speaking abilities. Founded in 1938, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.
A Middle School Limo Ride to Remember
For Quarter 3 of the 2016-17 school year (January-March) PS7 Middle School implemented an incentive system to motivate scholars to work their hardest and try their very best. Scholars who achieved proficient or advanced on all four of their end of quarter exams in each of their core classes – Math, ELA, History and Science – were celebrated with a limo ride to Round Table where they enjoyed an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet!
2017 Dragons to Attend Prestigious Universities
The 140 members of the Class of 2017 will be remembered as one of our most academically successful classes ever to walk through Sac High’s doors. For a second year in a row, 95% of the senior class were accepted to four year universities, but the quantity of students accepted to prestigious universities soared.
Scholar Spotlight: Mackenzie Martinelli
Sac High Senior Mackenzie Martinelli accepted a full-athletic scholarship to attend Oklahoma City University in the fall. The 5’ 10” softball standout is a 3-year varsity player with multi-purpose ability. Next year, Martinelli will step off the pitching mound and return to her normal shortstop position while playing for the OCU Stars.
Oak Park principals trade notes and honor students in school collaborative
Eighth-grader Araba Cudjoe watched from the sidewalk in front of her Oak Park school Thursday as a banner with her picture was hoisted on a pole high above Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Speaking to a crowd of politicians, principals, parents and students, the 13-year-old at Father Keith B. Kenny K-8 School wore the same shy and wide smile as the one on the banner as she explained it made her feel “special” to be honored. It proved, she said, that success was a matter of hard work after earning a 4.0 grade average and a years-long perfect attendance record.
Reading is our Superpower!
The week of February 21st-24th was Literacy Week for our PS7 scholars! Literacy Week started off with a trip to the Book Fair where scholars were able to fill out their own Wish Lists and find special books they wanted to purchase.
Teacher Profile: James Townsend
James Townsend is in his second year of teaching at St. HOPE, but he is no newbie to the family. Growing up in Oak Park, James got into quite a bit of trouble as a young kid. He attended Sac Prep for middle school, a former KIPP school that was located on the PS7 Elementary campus. It was in these years James encountered a principal and mentor who would change his life. He had never seen such a successful black male and with this picture in site, James began to envision his future of triumph.
Underground Books is Online
We are excited to announce that Underground Books is now selling online! The launch, spearheaded by St. HOPE employee and dragon alumni, Essence Noel, took place on February 23rd. Noel and team worked diligently over the past months to create a website that is both easy to navigate and captures the liveliness of the store.