St. HOPE: Home
Mother Rose Giving Tree
Underground Books
The Mother Rose Giving Tree is a community-driven holiday initiative at Underground Books that invites customers to give the gift of reading. Shoppers can support the program by purchasing books and gift items in-store, online from the Mother Rose Giving Tree book list, or by calling the store to place an order. All donated items are placed in the Giving Tree basket and shared with those in need, continuing Mother Rose’s legacy of literacy, love, and community care.
Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater
Family Movie Matinee: The Wiz
Sunday, February 1 at 2:00 PM
The Guild Theater
Join us for a free family-friendly movie matinee at the historic Guild Theater featuring the beloved musical classic The Wiz.
THURGOOD: ONE NIGHT ONLY
Guild Theater
THURGOOD: One Night Only
Friday, February 7 | 7:00–9:00 PM | The Guild Theater
As part of our Black History Month Programming at 40 Acres, The Guild Theater presents THURGOOD, a powerful one-man play that brings to life the extraordinary journey of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
Why We Affirm: A Conversation on Black Love
Guild Theater
Why We Affirm: A Conversation on Black Love
February 15 | 5:00–8:00 PM
The Guild Theater at the 40 Acres Complex
Join Felicia & Karega for the live launch of a brand-new season of their award-winning podcast, SOL Affirmations, recorded in front of a live audience.
Kevin Powers Author Reading & Book Signing
Underground Books
Join Underground Books at the Guild Theater for an author reading and book signing with Kevin Powers, featuring his new children’s book O’Shea’s Seed of Faith.
In this family-friendly event, Kevin Powers will read from O’Shea’s Seed of Faith, a story about young O’Shea planting a sunflower seed with his grandma and learning lessons about patience, care, and faith.
After the reading, guests are invited to walk next door to Underground Books for a book signing and purchase.
Kevin Powers Author Reading & Book Signing
Underground Books
Join Underground Books at the Guild Theater for an author reading and book signing with Kevin Powers, featuring his new children’s book O’Shea’s Seed of Faith.
In this family-friendly event, Kevin Powers will read from O’Shea’s Seed of Faith, a story about young O’Shea planting a sunflower seed with his grandma and learning lessons about patience, care, and faith.
After the reading, guests are invited to walk next door to Underground Books for a book signing and purchase.
Kevin Powers Author Reading & Book Signing
Underground Books
Join Underground Books at the Guild Theater for an author reading and book signing with Kevin Powers, featuring his new children’s book O’Shea’s Seed of Faith.
In this family-friendly event, Kevin Powers will read from O’Shea’s Seed of Faith, a story about young O’Shea planting a sunflower seed with his grandma and learning lessons about patience, care, and faith.
After the reading, guests are invited to walk next door to Underground Books for a book signing and purchase.
An Evening with Kelvin Truitt
Guild Theater
An Evening with Kelvin Truitt
Sunday, February 22 | 5:00–7:00 PM
The Guild Theater
Free Event | Registration Required
Celebrate Black History Month with an intimate live performance by Kelvin Truitt at the historic Guild Theater, located at the 40 Acres Complex.
St. HOPE Academy Founded by Kevin Johnson
July 1989
St. HOPE began in 1989 as an afterschool program in a portable classroom at Sacramento High School
After 13 years, St. HOPE realized that an after school program simply wasn’t enough to dramatically improve the academic outcomes of children, that it would be necessary to establish and run our own schools.
In 2003, St. HOPE Public Schools was founded as a preK-12 independent charter school district that provides high-quality education to nearly 2,000 students.
St. HOPE Facility Grand Opening
January 1992
7,000 square foot facility opening at 4101 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
40 acres Art & Cultural Center Grand Opening
May 2003
St. HOPE’s largest economic development project opened with Underground Books, Uncle Jed’s Cut Hut, Starbucks and the Guild Theater.
40 Acres is the jewel of the SHDC efforts in the Oak Park community. The building was the historic Woodruff Hotel which was build in 1922 and was renovated by St. HOPE Development company in 2003.
The 23,000 sq. ft. mixed use facility includes:
- Guild Theater
- Underground Books
- Old Soul Coffee House
- Coopers Wine Bar
- Upper Room Apartments
Preserving Legacy Through Literacy: Uplifting Community Through Knowledge
President's Message - 01.15.26
Through stories, history, and shared wisdom, we honor those who came before us and equip our youth with tools to think critically, dream boldly, and lead with purpose. Mother Rose embraced this as she believed that literacy and learning are pathways to empowerment. Sharing Mother Rose’s cherished collection of books is not only a tribute to her deep love for reading, but a reminder that when we read, we remember.
Join us for Two Fabulous Literary Events
Pipeline - 01.15.26
Author Talk and Book Signing Featuring Char Adams
Sunday, January 18 | 1:00 PM | Guild Theater.
Please join us in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. weekend for an inspiring conversation with award-winning journalist and author Char Adams and former Mayor Kevin Johnson about race, activism, and civil rights and the important role Black bookstores have played in shaping culture, community and activism. Char is a former reporter for NBC News and for People and her writing on race and identity has appeared in The New York Times, The New Republic, Oprah Daily, Vice, Teen Vogue, Bustle, and elsewhere.
Her recent book, Black Owned, is about the history of black bookstores, activism and political movements, including abolition, the Civil Rights movement, Black Power and Black Lives Matter, community culture and modern relevance. Her book shows why bookstores remain vital in fostering community, joy, and shared learning.
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Belen Isais Guzman – Class of 2024
Pipeline - 01.15.26
When Belen Isais Guzman moved to Sacramento three years ago, she was searching for a school that felt different from the large public schools she had always attended. She found that at Sac High.
Belen joined Sac High as a junior and quickly immersed herself in campus life. She served as a teacher assistant for the dance program, helping to organize and run performances. Her duties involved setting up and planning to make sure everything ran smoothly on stage. That early leadership role sparked a love for organization, preparation, and teamwork that continues to guide her today.
After graduating in 2024, Belen chose to stay local for college. She was accepted into several UC campuses but ultimately enrolled at Sacramento State, where she is now a full-time student. Belen started out originally as a biology major, but switched to construction management with a minor in business administration after discovering a passion for the field through her Sac High coursework. She also works part-time as a cashier at Target, balancing school, work, and her personal interests including daily workouts at the gym and preparing for a beauty pageant in Mexico.
Something is changing in the bookstore world — and Sacramento shops are ready for it
11.26.25
The 21st century has not been kind to independent booksellers — but Sacramento bookstores are surviving, leaning into their role as a community gatherer and cornerstone of local culture. There are hints, even, of a larger return to the physical book in a hyperonline age.
Star Power in the Community: Inspiring Moments With Jayne Kennedy and Ronald Isley
It was wonderful to see so many community members at our recent Speaker Series at Underground Books where Jayne Kennedy shared stories from her highly anticipated memoir, Plain Jayne. Jayne is a legendary actress, Emmy-winning broadcaster, and trailblazing icon and it was inspiring to hear her reflect on her groundbreaking rise—from small-town Ohio to becoming one of the first Black women to host national sports television. She shared her triumphs, struggles, and the legacy she built as a Black woman navigating fame, media, and identity on her own terms.
Join Us for Christmas at 40 Acres to Celebrate the Holiday Season!
Join Us for Christmas at 40 Acres to Celebrate the Holiday Season! Bring the family and celebrate the holidays at Christmas at 40 Acres on Saturday, December 13 from 11am – 2pm. Families are invited to enjoy a day filled with festive, fun, and creative activities and community connection. Children can take free photos with Santa, get their faces painted, and participate in hands-on holiday crafts designed to spark imagination and joy.
Shop Local and Support Underground Books
As the holiday season kicks off, there’s no better time to celebrate the power of shopping local and supporting Underground Books! When you choose to support neighborhood businesses, you’re doing more than checking items off your gift list – you’re investing directly in the people, culture, and character that make our community special. Every purchase keeps dollars circulating close to home, helps sustain local jobs, and strengthens the vibrancy of places we care about.
Increasing Access and Opportunities for St. HOPE Public Schools Scholars
We were thrilled to partner with St. HOPE Public Schools to help coordinate a weeklong trip for Sac High seniors to visit several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). On the trip scholars visited Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Morris Brown College, Alabama State University, and Tuskegee University and had a great time at Tuskegee’s annual Homecoming celebration and football game. They also explored museums, enjoyed southern food, and walked across the Selma Bridge – a moving experience for so many students.
Looking Back, Giving Thanks, and Moving Forward Together
President's Message - 11.19.25
As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday I wanted to share how grateful I am for your support and generosity as we collectively work to uplift Oak Park and the greater Sacramento community. I am excited to share with you our 2023–2025 annual report that provides a look back at the important work we have done over the past two years to bring jobs and economic development to an area that has historically been left behind.
Increasing College Exposure for SHPS Scholars
We are proud to partner with St. HOPE Public Schools to coordinate a weeklong trip for Sac High seniors to visit several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The trip includes cultural excursions, museum outings, and visits to Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Morris Brown College, Alabama State University, and Tuskegee University culminating with Tuskegee’s annual Homecoming celebration and football game.
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Shenise McKnight (Wigfall), Class of 2008
Shenise McKnight (Wigfall), a proud member of the Sac High Class
of 2008, has never shied away from a challenge or an opportunity.
During her four years at Sac High, she made her mark in every way
possible: serving as Student Body President, participating in the
Small School Senate, as captain of the cheerleading team,
competing in track and field, dancing with the 34th Street Dance
Company, and acting as a student spokesperson at public events.
Her dedication and leadership earned her the St. HOPE Student of
the Year award in 2008.
Honoring Hispanic Heritage: Celebrating Culture and Community at St. HOPE
President's Message - 10.14.25
We just wrapped up celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and I am thrilled that St. HOPE Academy was able to help bring engaging, hands-on programming to St. HOPE Public Schools scholars to foster cultural awareness, inclusion, and pride among its scholars. We had a wonderful Read Aloud event at PS7 Elementary School where community leaders read books from Hispanic authors to young scholars. We also helped organize an Alebrije paint activity inspired by Mexican folk art and cooking events featuring traditional Latin American dishes for middle school and high school scholars.
A Day of Purpose & Power: Community Gathers for Sac BlkLit Book Fest
This past weekend, over 160 community members attended the The Sac BlkLit Book Fest which brought together Black authors, readers, and publishing professionals to celebrate literature, culture, and community empowerment. Attendees heard from bestselling authors, publishers, and leadership experts about the power of storytelling. The speakers inspired guests with their insight on how to build a life of clarity, purpose, and impact and how to remain resilient through the most challenging times.
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Samantha Johnson, Class of 2008
Samantha Johnson is a 2008 graduate of Sac High, who attended St. HOPE Public Schools from 10th through 12th grade and is now the current Director of Academic Programs. During her time at Sac High, she was a student-athlete, playing on the basketball team and serving in student government. But it was her sophomore-year trip to Stanford that changed the course of her life. Inspired by the beauty of the campus and the encouragement of then-principal Mr. D, a Stanford alumnus, Samantha began to envision herself as a future student there.
Day Passes Now Available for the Oak Park Black Film Festival – October 7-12
Join us from October 7 to 12 for an unforgettable celebration of African-American stories and history through the power of cinema. The 4th annual Oak Park Black Film Festival shines a spotlight on the voices of African-American filmmakers, featuring an inspiring lineup of independent feature films, thought-provoking documentaries, and captivating short films. Connect with filmmakers and engage in enriching discussions that honor the richness and diversity of African-American culture. Don’t miss this extraordinary event at the heart of Oak Park!
Oak Park Speaker Series Returns with Two Amazing Authors
Moderated by Kevin Johnson
Renowned filmmaker and author Malcolm D. Lee
Sunday, September 28 · 3 – 4:30pm
The Guild Theater
Acclaimed writer, director, and producer Malcolm D. Lee is the creative force behind beloved films such as The Best Man, Roll Bounce, and Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, as well as the hit series The Best Man: The Final Chapter.
From Oak Park to Ghana: Sac High Scholar Gains Global Leadership Experience
President's Message - 9.18.25
At. St. HOPE we work hard to increase access and bring opportunities to the Oak Park community and I am thrilled that we were able to connect a Sac High scholar with the Youth Peace & Cultural Education Program hosted by Afripeace this past summer. The purpose of the program is to promote youth leadership through global education and a cultural immersion experience in Ghana. We believe that hands-on education is essential and were delighted that a Sac High scholar could participate in this cultural immersion program focused on developing peacebuilding and leadership skills.
Coming Soon: Oak Park Black Film Festival – October 7-12
VIP Tickets are available now and going fast!
McGeorge Law School Students Volunteer at St. HOPE
We were excited to host students for a volunteer day! As part of their orientation for the incoming class of law students, McGeorge Law School partnered with St. HOPE on a community service project. After getting an overview of St. HOPE and a tour of 40 Acres they headed over to Sac High to volunteer in the Corner Store where they assembled shelves and organized items. We were excited to further our partnership with McGeorge Law School and are grateful for all of their time and support.
PS7 Elementary is Now Modernized, State-of-the-Art Campus in Oak Park
St. HOPE Academy was instrumental in helping to secure $34 million in funding to renovate PS7 Elementary on Strawberry Lane. On August 27, we participated in a ribbon cutting to celebrate the transformed and modernized campus which includes: