St. HOPE: Home

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us for a special screening of Mufasa at the Guild Theater on Sunday, April 6 at 2 pm. This beloved film takes audiences on an unforgettable journey through the iconic story of Mufasa’s rise to power, showcasing his wisdom, strength, and love for his family. The film brings new depth to the legendary lion king’s life and legacy, offering a perfect experience for the whole family to enjoy.

Student Event

Let’s Read Oak Park
Underground Books

Celebrate the beauty of words and rhythm at April’s Let’s Read Oak Park, presented by St. HOPE! This month, we’re honoring National Poetry Month with a special event designed to inspire young readers through poetry, interactive readings, and creative hands-on activities.

Join us on Saturday, April 12 at 10 AM at Underground Books for a morning of literary fun! Crystel Patterson, a special guest reader, will lead children through engaging poetry readings while exploring cultural themes.

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us for a free family movie matinee at the Guild Theater on Sunday, May 4, at 2 PM, featuring Sonic the Hedgehog 3. In this exciting new installment, Sonic teams up with his friends to face off against new enemies and save the world from danger. Packed with thrilling action, humor, and heart, Sonic 3 promises a fun-filled experience for audiences of all ages. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of adventure and excitement at the Guild Theater!

Event

Comedy Night
Guild Theater

Join us for a night of nonstop laughter on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Hosted by Sacramento’s own Dru Burks, this comedy event features a stellar lineup:

Alvin Duke – Clever, sharp, and sure to keep you laughing.

Hannibal Thompson – A seasoned comedian and actor with worldwide experience, from USO tours to top comedy clubs.

Headliner: EastSide IVO – Viral comedy sensation with millions of followers.

Time:
Doors open at 7:00 PM | Show starts at 8:00 PM

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us for a free family movie matinee at the Guild Theater on Sunday, June 1, at 2 PM, featuring Minions: The Rise of Gru. In this hilarious sequel, young Gru teams up with his mischievous Minions as he embarks on an adventure to become the world’s greatest supervillain. Filled with laughter, action, and heart, this film is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled afternoon at the Guild Theater!

Register now for this free event! 

Community Event

2025 Juneteenth Block Party at 40 Acres
St. HOPE Academy

Join us on June 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the historic 40 Acres Complex for a dynamic celebration of freedom, culture, and community.

Enjoy live performances by Lucky Witherspoon, Sol Development, and Digital Underground, along with food trucks, local vendors, and a Black-owned business marketplace.

Experience the Stylistics Car Show, craft beer tasting from Oak Park Brewery, and a fun-filled kids’ play space hosted by St. HOPE Public Schools at Esther’s Park.

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us for a free family movie matinee at the Guild Theater on Sunday, August 3, at 2 PM, featuring Moana 2. In this exciting sequel, Moana returns to the seas on a new adventure, facing fresh challenges and discovering more about her heritage and the power of her people. Filled with stunning visuals, captivating music, and an inspiring story, Moana 2 is a perfect film for audiences of all ages. Bring the whole family for a memorable afternoon at the Guild Theater!

Register now!

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us at the Guild Theater on Sunday, September 7, at 2 PM for a free family movie matinee featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. This action-packed animated adventure follows Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael as they step out of the shadows to protect their city from a mysterious crime syndicate. With thrilling battles, humor, and heart, this film is perfect for all ages. Bring the whole family and enjoy an exciting afternoon at the theater!

Register Now

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us at the Guild Theater on Sunday, October 5, at 2 PM for a free family movie matinee featuring Hocus Pocus 2. The Sanderson sisters are back in this fun and magical sequel, bringing new adventures and mischief to Salem. After being accidentally resurrected, the witches must be stopped before they cast a spell over the town once again. Filled with humor, magic, and Halloween spirit, this film is perfect for the whole family. Do not miss this special afternoon at the theater! 

 

Community Event

Oak Park Black Film Festival 2025
Guild Theater

Join us from October 7 to October 12, 2025, for an unforgettable celebration of African-American stories and history through the power of cinema. The 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.

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us at the Guild Theater on Sunday, November 2, at 2 PM for a free family movie matinee featuring The Wild Robot. This heartwarming adventure brings Peter Brown’s beloved book to life, following Roz, a robot stranded on a remote island who must learn to survive and connect with the wildlife around her. Filled with breathtaking animation, action, and touching moments, this film is perfect for audiences of all ages. Do not miss this unforgettable story of discovery, friendship, and resilience on the big screen. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of excitement and wonder.

Community Event

Family Movie Matinee
Guild Theater

Join us at the Guild Theater on Sunday, December 7, at 2 PM for a free family movie matinee featuring The Grinch. Experience the heartwarming and hilarious story of the Grinch as he plots to steal Christmas from the cheerful residents of Whoville. With stunning animation, festive spirit, and a message about the true meaning of the holiday season, this film is perfect for the whole family. Do not miss this fun and magical afternoon at the movies.

Register now

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Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Takayla Johnson, Class of 2018

Takayla Johnson says that St. HOPE Public Schools  is an asset in the community. She was able to lean on the schools’ pillars of more time, choice, and commitment which gave her the tools to thrive in college. After she graduated from Sac High in 2018 she spent four years in Sacramento where she became a devoted advocate for youth. For the past four years Takayla has worked with scholars in expanded learning and currently she is working at Sacramento High as a front office assistant

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Sac High Scholars Visit Colleges During Spring Break

St. HOPE Academy recently hosted two trips for Sac High seniors to tour colleges to help them make decisions about their higher education options. One trip was to the Bay Area where scholars toured CSU East Bay, CSU Monterey Bay, San Francisco State, and San Jose State. On the Southern California trip, scholars visited UCLA, CSU Bakersfield, CSU Los Angeles, CSU Fullerton, Fresno State, and Long Beach State. A couple of the tours were even hosted by Sac High Alumni who are currently attending these schools. 

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Black History Month Events Recap: Reflecting on Heritage and Culture

February was an incredible month as we hosted a month-long celebration of the achievements, culture, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. From powerful speakers to engaging events for families, we recognized the achievements and resilience of Black leaders past and present.

St. HOPE Public Schools hosted events nearly every day during February to raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and equity in our multicultural society.

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Cassandra Jennings Recognized as One of Comstock Magazine’s 2025 Women in Leadership

We are thrilled that our very own Cassandra Jennings is named one of Comstock Magazine’s 2025 Women Leaders. Cassandra joins nine trailblazers including Jita Pandya Buno, Associate COO of UC Davis Health, Ann Patterson, Governor Newsom’s Cabinet Secretary, and Faye Nabhani, President and CEO of Safe Credit Union, who were all recognized for their perseverance, dedication, and commitment to success. Judy Farrah, editor of Comstock’s Magazine, said determination was the throughline that connected the Women in Leadership Class of 2025. 

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Honoring the Women Who Lead: Celebrating Their Impact at St. HOPE
President's Message - 03.31.25

As we close out Women’s History Month, I’ve been reflecting on the enormous contributions women leaders make to St. HOPE each and every day, from the female Principals who run Sac High, PS7 Middle School, and PS7 Elementary to the St. HOPE Public Schools Superintendent to the women leaders at St. HOPE Academy to all of the women who sit on our board of directors. You all provide guidance and inspiration daily and demonstrate an unwavering commitment and dedication to our mission. Thank you! 

Article The Sacramento BeeBy HECTOR AMEZCUA

Luxury or thrift? Sacramento High students practice financial literacy
February 20, 2025

About 200 students at Sacramento Charter High got some financial life lessons on Wednesday.

The school’s junior and senior classes participated in an immersive budget workshop as part of a financial literacy event held by Golden 1 Credit Union.

The students, assuming identities with specific professions and incomes, built personal budgets that included necessities such as housing, food, transportation and childcare.

Article Comstock MagazineBy Marybeth Bizjak

Women in Leadership 2025: Cassandra Jennings
March 5, 2025

Cassandra Jennings

President and CEO, St. HOPE

All through school, Cassandra Jennings was a straight-A student. So when she got her first-ever B — in a college bowling class, of all things — she went to the instructor and argued (unsuccessfully) for a higher grade. More than 40 years later, she says with a laugh, “I’m still mad about it.” Now president and CEO of Sacramento’s St. HOPE, Jennings still has the attitude of the straight-A student she once was. “I’m a get-it-done sort of person,” she says. “I do what I do with a lot of passion, nonapologetically.”

Article ABC 10February 20, 2025

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. 

Article CBS 13By Tori Apodaca

Sacramento community pillar Mother Rose honored with celebration of life: “Our jobs to continue her legacy”
January 23, 2025

Click here for the full video

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. 

Article The Sacramento BeeCathie Anderson

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.”

Article KCRA Ch. 3Mike TeSelle

Oak Park community celebrates life of Georgia West, known as ‘Mother Rose’
January 23, 2025

Click Here for the Full Video

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.

Article The Sacramento Observerby Genoa Barrow

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. 

Pipeline Newsletter

Grammy Award Winning Gospel Artists to Perform at Georgia “Mother Rose” West Celebration of Life
Thursday, January 23, 2025

The community is invited to come together for a special Celebration of Life honoring the remarkable legacy of Mother Rose on Thursday, January 23, from 10 AM to 1 PM at St. Paul Baptist Church, located at 3996 14th Avenue.

This heartfelt event promises to be a joyful tribute, featuring performances from three Grammy Award-winning gospel legends:

Tramaine Hawkins

Bebe Winans

Pipeline Newsletter

Georgia “Mother Rose” West, Matriarch of Sacramento’s Oak Park Neighborhood, Passes Away
Georgia "Mother Rose" West (1949-2024)

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Georgia “Mother Rose” West  on December 23, 2024. Mother Rose was a well-known pillar in the Oak Park community helping our region thrive by ensuring cultural diversity. Mother Rose was the owner/operator of Underground Books, part of the 40 Acres Cultural Center at 35th Street and Broadway. Known as the “literary hub of Oak Park”, Underground Books provides programs and learning opportunities for the community and contributes toward ensuring all children have the same access to education and knowledge.    

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Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Alexandra Gallegos, Class of 2024

Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Alexandra Gallegos, Class of 2024

Alexandra Gallegos attended St. HOPE Public Schools since the sixth grade. She was the 2024 Sac High valedictorian and student body Vice President and is now attending UC Berkeley. She attributes her accomplishments to the rigorous academic program and high standards set by the teachers and administrators at St. HOPE Public Schools.

Pipeline Newsletter

Shop Talk Lately Featuring Sacramento Native Keith Powers
Guild Theater

Shop Talk Lately is a live, community-centered discussion series hosted by entrepreneur Sebastian Jackson, designed to blend barbershop culture with engaging conversations among cultural icons and innovators. Held in intimate theaters across the U.S., the show combines entertainment, audience participation, and stories of resilience to empower and unite communities, especially the Black community. This installment features actor and model Keith Powers, known for his roles in Straight Outta Compton, The New Edition Story, and Uglies.