Underground Books: Home
Author Talk featuring Verde Arzu
Underground Books Presents
Join us for a powerful evening with writer, poet, and educator Verde Arzu as she shares from her latest book, Promise Keeper—a coming-of-age story about identity, conviction, and the promises we make to ourselves.
Verde centers Black queer woman in her work and publishes through her own imprint, RAINBOW EDITIONS LLC. Come meet the author, hear her story, and get your book signed!
The Mother Rose Legacy Hoodie
Honoring A Legend: The Mother Rose Legacy Hoodie
In celebration of Mother Rose, a true legend in Oak Park, we’ve created a special edition hoodie that reflects her deep roots in the community while keeping her spirit close to our hearts. This design pays tribute to her lasting impact, reminding us of her dedication, wisdom, and love for Oak Park.
Wear it with pride and warmth as you honor the legacy of a woman who continues to inspire us all.
The Mother Rose Community T-Shirt
Honoring a Legend: The Mother Rose Community T-Shirt
Inspired by the strength and beauty that blossoms in every community, this special edition T-shirt celebrates Mother Rose, the heart of Oak Park. Featuring the powerful message: “There’s a garden that grows in every community, and amongst all, you will find that special Rose we call ours—Mother,” this design honors her unwavering presence and impact.
Wear it as a tribute to the love, wisdom, and legacy she continues to nurture in our community.
Oak Park Rose T-Shirt
Honoring a Legend: The Mother Rose T-Shirt
In celebration of Mother Rose, a true legend in Oak Park, we’ve created a special edition T-shirt that reflects her deep roots in the community while keeping her spirit close to our hearts. This design pays tribute to her lasting impact, reminding us of her dedication, wisdom, and love for Oak Park.
Wear it with pride and honor the legacy of a woman who continues to inspire us all.
Mother Rose Coffee Blend
Introducing the Mother Rose Coffee Blend
We’re excited to announce the Mother Rose Coffee Blend, a special collaboration between Underground Books and Old Soul Coffee Shop. Crafted with care, this unique blend not only delivers rich, bold flavors but also supports a meaningful cause.
Proceeds from every purchase will go directly to the Mother Rose Fund at St. HOPE, helping to uplift and empower our community. Enjoy a great cup of coffee while making a difference!
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.
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.
Hundreds attend the Oak Park Black Film Festival
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Oak Park Black Film Festival this year! The six-day event showcased an outstanding lineup of independent feature, documentary, and short films by African-American filmmakers and was a huge success.
We were delighted to have different moderators each day who facilitated fascinating discussions with the filmmakers. You can read more about the Film Festival in the Sacramento Observer: Oak Park Festival Provides Black Filmmakers A Too Rare Showcase.
Join Us for Engaging Authors Talks at Underground Books
Author Talk with Kerri Harper-Howie
Thursday, November 21, 2024 – 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Kerri is an entrepreneur, lawyer, author, public speaker and author of The Family Secret: The Business and Franchise Owner’s Guide to Building Generational Wealth. She combines her legal expertise with practical business acumen, offering a unique perspective on workplace issues, business operations, succession planning and fostering family-like workplaces.
Author Talk with Sheryl Grant at Underground Books on Sept. 4
We hope you can Join us for the Author Talk with Sheryl Grant at Underground Books on Wednesday, September 4 from 6 – 7:30pm. It will be an exciting evening filled with insightful discussions, book signings, and a chance to meet the talented author herself.
Sacramento’s Juneteenth events feature The 1619 Project creator at Oak Park’s Guild Theater
With Juneteenth this week Sacramento has parties, marches and more in celebration.
This Wednesday, the California Black Agricultural Working Group will host a celebration at the Capitol State Park as well as a resource fair. People are invited to “experience our unique California Journey from Slavery to Freedom here in the Great State of California,” according to the organization’s flyer.
Oak Park Juneteenth Block Party Leaves Community Hopeful, Energized
CBS 13 - June 19, 2022
Juneteenth Celebration In Oak Park Promotes Opportunity For Change
