Underground Books: Home
Vajra M. Watson’s “Transformative Schooling”
Discussion and Book Signing
Discussions of achievement gaps are commonplace in education reform, but they are rarely interrogated as a symptom of white supremacy. As an act of disruption, award-winning scholar Vajra Watson pierces through the rhetoric and provides a provocative analysis of the ways schools can become more racially inclusive. Her research is grounded in Oakland where longitudinal data demonstrated that Black families were sending their children to school, but the ideals of an oasis of learning were being met with the realities of racism, low expectations, and marginalization.
Underground Books Book Club
"John Woman" by Walter Mosley
Underground Books
Join us as we discuss Walter Mosley’s recent book release “John Woman”
All are welcome!
Stacie Lee “All I Want for Christmas”
Discussion and Book Signing
All I Want For Christmas by Gina Johnson, Stacie Lee, Keleigh Hadley
Christmas Time Is Here…
And Brown Girls Books is bringing you nineteen talented writers, sharing heartwarming stories filled with the joy, sorrow and downright drama of this magical season. Christmas time brings out the best – and for some, the worst – in us and these holiday tales capture it all, just in time to warm your soul for the holidays.
Closing Reception and Panel Discussion
"This is America" by Milton Bowens
“This Is America”
Milton Bowen’s latest exhibit “This Is America” is a timely example of “Art for Education not Just Decoration”
Art Talk – Saturday, October 27 from 5-7 pm
Closing Reception and Panel Discussion
Saturday, December 1 from 5-7 pm
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.
Joey Garcia’s “When Your Heart Breaks, It’s Opening to Love”
Discussion and Book Signing
Turn your heartbreak into happiness… Joey Garcia matches true stories of broken relationships with warm, wise advice that offers unexpected insights and prescriptions for healing. If you have been cheated on and you want to move forward, but don’t know how; if you feel like your world is disintegrating because the person you love has left you, or if you want closure, reading this book will help you emerge stronger and happier than you thought possible.
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?
Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles planned in Oak Park
Sacramento Business Journal - October 22, 2018
Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles planned in Oak Park
By Ben van der Meer – Staff Writer, Sacramento Business Journal
Oct 22, 2018, 11:29am
Chicken and waffles are being planned for Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood, with an application before the city to add to a building at 3824 Third Ave. Here are some highlights from the application.
St. HOPE + NetSuite
By Ton Saliew, Technology Program Manager
At St. HOPE, we are always looking to improve efficiencies and economies of scale. A few things we considered when searching for a new finance system were agility, unity, and scalability. We needed a new finance system up and running fast, so NetSuite’s out-of-the-box, 60-day “SuiteSuccess” program offered the speed we sorely needed to hit the ground running. After years of using disparate systems and processes, NetSuite’s unified approach to finance operations centered our payroll, accounting, and finances in a way never realized previously.
Walter Mosley Visits Underground Books
Underground Books had the honor of hosting renowned and critically acclaimed author Walter Mosley at the 40 Acres Complex for an enchanting evening at the bookstore and a fireside chat at the Guild Theater.
Mr. Mosley, who authored “Devil in a Blue Dress,” visited Oak Park to share his newest novel, John Woman, and talk about his career, writing projects, and insight as a crime-fiction writer.
Annual Fundraiser Exceeds Expectations
The Annual St. HOPE Dinner, which took place on September 23 at the Downtown Hyatt Regency, began like so many others in years prior – a packed house eagerly anticipating a fun-filled evening. However, this year’s event left a long-lasting impression on the hundreds of guests who attended.
FUN-tastic Times at the Guild Theater!
Have you been to an event at the Guild recently?
Lately, the Guild Theater has been the place to be! The Guild Theater has provided so many events including movie nights, comedy shows, and even plays! Early this month, the Guild has hosted events such as: Anthropology of Dia de los Muertos lecture, Fireside Chat with Walter Mosley, Specialty Coffee Panel, Cinderella Scholarship Pageant, and of course a movie every Tuesday by Popcorn Culture!
Cookin’ it up with NASA!
Domina Stamas, Sac High Science Teacher
Over the past few years I have collaborated multiple times with NASA for many projects with our students as well as my own professional development.
I recently spoke with Johnson Space Center in Houston and we were given the green light to participate in the Astronaut Culinary Challenge.
Not only will we be the only school in California to participate this year, we will be the FIRST California school to participate in the program!!
Best-selling crime-fiction writer Walter Mosley to appear Friday in Sacramento
Sacramento Bee - October 9, 2018
October 09, 2018 03:00 AM
Former Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson will sit down with award-winning novelist Walter Mosley for what is billed as a fireside chat Friday evening at Oak Park’s Guild Theater.
Underground Books, the bookstore run by Johnson’s mother Georgia West, coordinated the event where Mosley is expected to discuss his latest book, “John Woman,” (Atlantic Monthly Press, $26, 320 pages) released Sept. 4. In an interview with the weekly Washington Informer newspaper, Mosley said he had been working on the novel for 15 years.
Underground Books Presents Walter Mosley!
Underground Books proudly presents renowned and critically acclaimed author Walter Mosley next Friday, October 12 at the Guild Theater and Underground Books. Join us for a fire chat discussion and book signing as Mr. Mosley shares his newest novel, John Woman.
First Impressions: My College Experience
By TaKayla Johnson, Sac High Class of 2018
I’ve always dreamed about going to an HBCU. I was unsure about my experience at a predominantly white institution. I currently attend California State University, Sacramento and I have loved my experience thus far. Coming from a predominantly black high school, Sacramento Charter High School, the diversity of Sac State’s campus was truly a culture shock, but the levels of love and unity helped me overcome my worries about attending a local university. Sac state is a great campus and I have learned the importance of my presence on this campus.
Staff Star: Mr. Antonio Sarabia
Here at St. HOPE we find it very rewarding to recognize the outstanding commitment from our staff, which more than often go above and beyond to give scholars an unforgettable learning experience. With amazing staff like Mr. Sarabia, Sac High’s Visual Arts and Communications teacher, there’s no wonder why we have such amazing scholars.
This month we had the privilege of sitting down with veteran HOPEster, Mr. Sarabia, to hear a little about his story. Here’s what we captured:
Q: How long have you been here? How did you hear about St. HOPE?
St. HOPE Welcomes SETA!
In 2007, the St. HOPE-operated preschool, Triumph Center for Early Childhood Education, opened its doors offering a high-quality early childhood education program for young children in the Oak Park neighborhood. For nearly 10 years, Triumph actively served hundreds of families throughout the community and surrounding areas, creating a learning environment inclusive for all.
In June 2017, Triumph made the difficult decision to close its doors with the hope that through continued conversation, future opportunities would emerge.
St. HOPE Annual Employee Wellness Fair
Walking into the dimmed library, staff were greeted with the aroma of fresh fruit and the beat of exhilarating music. In one corner of the room, folks were sharing the benefits of meditation, in another, a barre demonstration was just starting. Samples of detoxifying juices and sunflower butters were passed around while staff worked on a community brainstorming project. This is the St. HOPE Annual Wellness Fair, an event designed for all St.
The Student Store is ONLINE!
Buying school uniforms just became easier with a click of a button! All St. HOPE Public School polos and jackets can now be purchased through our online store! We know how difficult it can be to come into the store to buy all of your scholar’s items so now you can go online, select the items you want, purchase them with your credit card and then pick them up at the store.
Free Meals for St. HOPE Scholars
This school year we will begin serving free meals to our students for breakfast and lunch. We are excited to be given the opportunity to provide our students cost-free meals under the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The CEP, launched under the Healthy, Hunger-free Act, is a four-year program that serves free meals to the nation’s highest poverty schools and operates through federal and state funds. This is the first year we have qualified for the CEP program.
Oak Park Speaker Series Conclusion
The inaugural Oak Park Speaker Series presented by Underground Books and the Greater Sacramento Urban League concluded with two amazing events at the Guild Theater.
Scholars Receive Summer Camp Scholarships
In addition to the traditional academic summer school session for scholars in need of catching up before the next school year, St. HOPE also partnered with Camp EDMO to provide scholars with a unique STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and SEL (Social Emotional Learning) enrichment program. The Bay Area based program recently expanded to the Sacramento Region and offered its services to the Sac High campus location for the first time last year.
interview: aizik “aik” brown, wide open walls muralist
Valley Vision Blog
Aizik “Aik” Brown proudly describes himself as an Artist and Educator committed to improving the lives of those around him, particularly in Oak Park. Over the past two weeks, Valley Vision has been fortunate enough to have Aizik paint a stunning mural on the outside wall of our new office building as part of Sacramento’s Wide Open Walls mural festival, in partnership with St. HOPE.
Soccer Succeeds at PS7 Elementary School!
For the last two years, Street Soccer USA and PS7 Elementary School have partnered to provide 3rd – 5th grade scholars at PS7 access to after school soccer as an enrichment program multiple days per week. The partnership is funded by Councilmember Jay Schenirer’s Way Up Sacramento initiative to provide more healthy activities for Oak Park youth, and because soccer was a sport they wanted to pilot.
Still Accepting Applications!
St. HOPE Public Schools is still accepting applications for the 2018-2019 school year! School starts August 8th! Enroll your scholar today!