St. HOPE: Home
Author Talk featuring Dorsey Nunn
Underground Books Presents
You’re Invited!
Join us at Underground Books for a special evening with activist
and author Dorsey Nunn, as he signs and discusses his powerful
memoir,
What Kind of Bird Can’t Fly.
Thursday, August 14, 2025
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Underground Books | 2814 35th Street, Sacramento, CA
Come hear firsthand how Nunn turned his lived experience into a life of advocacy and transformation. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Don’t miss this inspiring event!
Free and open to the public.
Author Talk featuring: Sheryl Lister
Underground Books Presents
You’re Invited!
Join us at Underground Books for an inspiring afternoon with award-winning author Sheryl Lister as she returns to Oak Park to celebrate her newest release, A Promise of Forever!
Thursday, August 21, 2025
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Underground Books | 2814 35th Street, Sacramento, CA
Known for her soul-stirring romance novels, Sheryl Lister continues to capture hearts with stories that beautifully explore love, family, and resilience. A Promise of Forever is no exception—a captivating tale of enduring love that readers won’t want to miss.
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!
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!
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.
Author Talk & Book Signing featuring: Marisa Atha
Underground Books Presents
You’re Invited!
Join us at Underground Books for a special book signing with author Marisa Atha, celebrating her powerful novel, Written on the Wall.
Sunday, October 19 , 2025
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Underground Books | 2814 35th Street, Sacramento, CA
Free and open to the public.
This moving story follows the lives of four women as they navigate love, family, and the complexities of self-discovery. With heartfelt storytelling and unforgettable characters, Marisa explores the emotional landscapes of resilience and connection.
Author Talk & Book Signing featuring: Jayne Kennedy
Underground Books Presents
You’re Invited!
Join us at Underground Books for a powerful evening with legendary actress, Emmy-winning broadcaster, and trailblazing icon Jayne Kennedy as she shares stories from her highly anticipated memoir, Plain Jayne
In this bold and deeply personal book, Jayne reflects on her groundbreaking rise—from small-town Ohio to becoming one of the first Black women to host national sports television. She opens up about her triumphs, struggles, and the legacy she built as a Black woman navigating fame, media, and identity on her own terms.
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.
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.
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
Providing Education, Growth, Sustainability and Stability
President's Message - 07.31.25
Dear Community Members and Supporters,
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Janna Thach, Class of 2008
Janna Thach’s time at Sac High marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and community empowerment. These values continue to define her career and personal mission today.
Coming Soon: Oak Park Black Film Festival
October 7-12, 2025
Join us from October 7 to October 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!
Sacramento BlkLit Book Fest
Save the Date
Save the date for a full day celebrating Black literature, creativity, and community.
Saturday, September 13
10am-11am – Author Discussion (Underground Books)
Authors will discuss their new releases and be available for book
signings
11am-12pm – Writing While Black: Publishing, Platforms & Power
(Guild Theater)
A panel discussion with book industry professionals on the topic
of writing and publishing a book.
Upcoming Events at Underground Books
Register now for two inspiring evenings of conversation, storytelling, and connection at Underground Books
Being the Rays Under the Sun with My Tube Tiaterrice
Join us for an uplifting evening with author My Tube Tiaterrice as she presents her inspiring new release, Being the Rays Under the Sun. Through heartfelt reflections and powerful storytelling, Tiaterrice explores themes of resilience, self-love, and healing. Meet the author, hear about her journey, and get your book personally signed.
Thursday, July 31 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Register now
Thank You for Celebrating Juneteenth with Us!
We’re filled with gratitude to everyone who joined us for our Juneteenth celebration—it was a powerful day of community, culture, and joy as we celebrated Black history and excellence in Oak Park. The whole community enjoyed the family-friendly event that featured a kids zone, live music, black-owned vendors, cultural activities and of course amazing food! Click here to see photos and a highlights video. This event would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors:
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Eliana Argueta, Class of 2005
Eliana Argueta attended Sac High from 2001 to 2005, witnessing a major transformation during her time there. By her junior year, the school had transitioned from a traditional public high school into a public charter under the St. HOPE Public Schools umbrella. The school’s new focus on providing specialized programs meant that some of her friends moved to different buildings on campus, but it also gave students a unique opportunity to explore their specific interests.
Author Talk at Underground Books Features Verde Arzu
Join us on Sunday, June 29 from 1:00 – 3:30pm at Underground Books for a powerful afternoon with writer, poet, and educator Verde Arzu as she shares from her latest book, Promise Keeper. The book is a coming-of-age story about identity, conviction, and the promises we make to ourselves. Verde centers Black queer women in her work and publishes through her own imprint, RAINBOW EDITIONS LLC. We’re excited to feature Verde Arzu during Pride month – come meet the author, hear her story, and get your book signed!
Join Us for the 5th Annual Juneteenth Block Party on Saturday, June 14
You won’t want to miss St. HOPE’s annual Juneteenth Block Party on Saturday, June 14 from 4-9pm that will take place in and around the 40 Acres Complex in Oak Park (35th Street and Broadway). Check out the video from last year!
Scholars Rising: A Celebration of Purpose and Progress
President's Message - 06.11.25
Yesterday was a fabulous celebration of our Sac High seniors as they received their diplomas and walked across the stage at Memorial Auditorium. Our scholars have worked so hard over the past four years and we are proud of all that they have accomplished as students, athletes, and as community members. At the graduation ceremony, we heard inspiring messages from Valedictorian Edie Park and Salutatorian Mariah Bowman about the importance of perseverance and resilience and how their focus on purpose and passion helped them get to where they are today.
In Loving Memory of Lisa Marie Ruda
Her Vision, Her Leadership, and a Scholarship That Will Carry It Forward
With profound sadness we announce the passing of Lisa Marie Ruda who served as Superintendent of St. HOPE Public Schools since summer 2022. Despite battling health challenges, Lisa was a warrior throughout the entire process. She loved St. HOPE Public Schools – she cared immensely about our scholars, families, and staff. She led Sac High and PS7 with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose.
Personal finance becomes the newest ‘adulting’ lesson for high schoolers
May 11, 2025
Teenagers aren’t known for taking the long view with money. But a growing number of high school students are taking classes to learn how to handle their financial future: what a budget is, why saving is important and how to invest.
In March, Kentucky became the latest state to codify financial literacy as a stand-alone class needed for high-schoolers to graduate. That brings the total to 36 states with some form of financial literacy requirement for high school graduation, according to the Council of Economic Education — up from 21 states in 2020.
Inspire U Academy Brings Summer Learning to Life for St. HOPE Scholars
This summer St. HOPE will again be hosting FREE 2-week camps for PS7 Middle School scholars to enjoy swim lessons, dancing, painting, cooking, music, STEAM activities, and more. We will also have credit recovery and academic programs for our scholars who need additional support before the next school year.
Meet Dru Burks: The Guild Theater’s Resident Comedian
Long before he took center stage at the Guild Theater, Dru Burks was one of St. HOPE’s first students. Enrolled in the organization’s original summer program back in 1989, Dru’s connection to St. HOPE runs deep—so much so that he often says it’s “in his blood.” Today, he’s helping shape that same community, now as the Guild Theater Manager, a role he officially stepped into in 2018.
Join Us for the 5th Annual Juneteenth Block Party on Saturday, June 14
You won’t want to miss St. HOPE’s annual Juneteenth Block Party on Saturday, June 14 from 4-9pm that will take place in and around the 40 Acres Complex in Oak Park (35th Street and Broadway). The free event will have activities for everyone including a kids zone, live music, black-owned vendors, cultural activities and of course amazing food! We have a great event lineup including:
The Legacy of Literacy: Celebrating Mother Rose
President's Message - 04.29.25
This month, we celebrate the birthday of Mother Rose (April 7), a beloved figure whose vision and resilience helped shape Underground Books into the cultural cornerstone it is today. Mother Rose believed in the power of literacy to transform lives. Her mission was never just about selling books, but about creating access—especially for those whose stories have often been overlooked. She filled the shelves of Underground Books with works by Black authors, historical voices, and emerging thinkers, cultivating a space where conversation and connection could thrive.
Sac High Alumni Spotlight: Shon Tyler, DDS, Class of 2008
Pipeline April 2025
Shon Tyler, DDS attended Sac High from 2004 to 2008, a pivotal time in the school’s history. His freshman year corresponded with St. HOPE’s transformation of Sac High into a charter school along with the opening of PS7, which now serves TK-8th grade scholars. The changes brought by St. HOPE were immediately noticeable, and Shon recalls how much the faculty cared about the students and their success. The new vision and initiatives resonated with both students and staff, creating a sense of purpose on campus.
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.
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.
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.