Underground Books: Home
The Paris Library
By Janet Skeslien Charles
Signed copies of The Paris Library are available for purchase at Underground Books!
Authors Uncovered features The Paris Library, author Janet Skeslien Charles’s new novel.
The Paris Library is based on the true story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris. This is an unforgettable story of friendship, family and the power of literature to bring us together.
Classy Hippie Tea Pop-Up
Underground Books
Join us for another pop-up event with Founder of Classy Hippie Tea Co.’s Leo Hickman.
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor (Hardcover)
By Layla Saad, Robin Diangelo
Description
The New York Times and USA Today bestseller This eye-opening book challenges you to do the essential work of unpacking your biases, and helps white people take action and dismantle the privilege within themselves so that you can stop (often unconsciously) inflicting damage on people of color, and in turn, help other white people do better, too.
The Water Dancer
By Ta-Nehisi Coates
Young Hiram Walker was born into bondage. When his mother was
sold away, Hiram was robbed of all memory of her—but was gifted
with a mysterious power. Years later, when Hiram almost drowns in
a river, that same power saves his life. This brush with death
births an urgency in Hiram and a daring scheme: to escape from
the only home he’s ever known.
The Source of Self-Regard
By Toni Morrison
The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness (Paperback)
By Michelle Alexander
Description
Named one of the most important nonfiction books of the 21st century by Entertainment Weekly’ Slate’ Chronicle of Higher Education’ Literary Hub, Book Riot’ and Zora
A tenth-anniversary edition of the iconic bestseller–”one of the most influential books of the past 20 years,” according to the Chronicle of Higher Education–with a new preface by the author
Sweet Home Cafe Cookbook
A Celebration of African American Cooking
A celebration of African American cooking with 109 recipes from the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Sweet Home Café
Underground Books Gets New Look
The Sacramento Observer
(OAK PARK) – Every closed door isn’t locked. A local Black bookstore used its time closed during the pandemic wisely, completing a remodel and rebranding campaign.
Underground Books Grand Re-Opening
A local bookstore has done some remodeling and they are ready to open to the public.
[Embed]
Remodeled And Expanded: Oak Park Book Store Reopens Amid Pandemic
Underground Books
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – A book store in Oak Park has taken the time during the pandemic to remodel and expand – and now it’s back open.
Underground Books is operated by St. Hope, a family of neighborhood nonprofits dedicated to revitalizing Oak Park
The book store’s manager and operator has been with the store since its opening in 2003.
“We’re trying to bring art and culture to the community. There’s no library in this community, so we bring literacy and make it available for everyone,” said Georgia “Mother Rose” West.
10 Black-Owned Bookstores To Tap For Your Fall Reading List
The Zoe Report
Nothing quite says fall like hunkering down with a good book and comforting mug full of your preferred hot beverage. But no matter what it is you choose to read this season, consider picking it up from one of many Black-owned bookstores. Not only can spending your money mindfully help support Black businesses — and in turn encourage more of them — but because many of these shops specialize in books about race and culture specifically, shopping here might just inspire you to fill your fall reading list with resources that educate and inform you.
A Place to Be
BOOKSTORE IS LITERARY HUB OF OAK PARK
Within days of the tragic murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, Underground Books in Oak Park launched a long-planned website for the sale of literary works online.
Not only did the Sacramento community respond, people across the nation took note. In the first two months, Underground Books received nearly 2,500 orders.
Oak Park book store helps to provide a space for the community to learn about Black art and culture
ABC News 10
Georgia West, aka Mother Rose, talks about Oak Park’s Underground Books and how they help provide a space for community members to learn about Black culture and arts.
Author: abc10.com
Published: 12:08 PM PDT June 18, 2020
Updated: 12:05 PM PDT June 18, 2020
St. HOPE Schools Will Start on Time This Fall
In a time of uncertainty, one thing remains certain: St. HOPE Public Schools will start on time this fall. Dedicated to our mission of sending our scholars to and through college, we know that now more than ever our scholars need to be learning. We are planning for three different scenarios that include distance learning, in person/on campus learning, or a hybrid model of the two. We will continue to seek input and guidance from the state and county to ensure students, teachers and staff will be operating in a safe learning environment.
St. HOPE’s Unique Approach to Distance Learning
St. HOPE’s distance learning program is truly about continued learning. The classes look different, and the methods are new and creative, but goals are the same as they’ve always been. Distance learning at PS7 Elementary, PS7 Middle, and Sacramento Charter High School is not a mere assignment of busywork or simple worksheet packets that have kids treading water.
Oak Park Restaurants are Still Open for Business
We are so thankful that Fixins, Old Soul, La Venadita, and Oak Park Brewery are still open for take out! Support your favorite local restaurants by placing a to go order and making it a picnic meal at the park or special night with the family. Check out their Instagram pages for the latest news and discounts!
Scholar Spotlight: Jazmine Spears
See below for a brief but encouraging interview with Sacramento High School’s 12th grade scholar, Jazmine Spears!
Q: Tell us a little bit about your high school experience.
A: These last four year years at Sac High have been so busy! I have been involved in so many different activities like step team, basketball, cheerleading, College Track, working at Underground Books and so much more! This year I was one of the team captains for cheer and last summer I got the experience of going to East Africa for 2 weeks with College Track. Being involved has been so important to me as it allows me to bond with my fellow classmates, be a part of a team, and gain different responsibilities.
More Improvements at 40 Acres
40 Acres, formerly known as the 1922 Woodruff Hotel, was once known as one of the most dangerous spaces of Oak Park. The 23,000 sq. ft. mixed use property was acquired and renovated by St. HOPE nearly 17 years ago. Today, 40 Acres is the jewel of the neighborhood and home to The Guild Theater, Underground Books, Old Soul Coffee Co., World Class Faders, Fixins Soul Kitchen, and the Upper Room Apartments. This year, 40 Acres will undergo a second set of improvements including paint, awnings, signage, window plant boxes, and more! At St.
World Class Faders Now Open!
We are very excited to announce the opening of World Class Faders, a barbershop at 40 Acres. See below for an interview with owner Lonnie Horne.
1. Where’d you get the name World Class Faders?
I wanted a name my team, myself, and the community would be proud of. I wanted our name to give the impression that the highest level of service could be expected for anyone who walks into our business.
At Underground Books in Sacramento, youth find their freedom
1.31.2020
Author’s note: The following story was originally written for Comstock’s magazine as part of my recurring “Media File” column, a monthly examination at media-related businesses in the Sacramento region. Comstock’s declined to publish this story.
Walk into Underground Books along Broadway in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood and the first thing you’re likely to notice is that it isn’t your typical bookstore.
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.
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.