Underground Books: Home
David Fontaine Author Talk and Book Signing
Underground Books
Join us at Underground Books in Sacramento for a fascinating evening with David Fontaine, the author of “The Black Financial Literacy & Wealth Building Bible”. In this author talk and book signing event, David will discuss his book and provide insights into the importance of financial literacy and wealth building for the Black community. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a local expert and get your copy of the book signed by the author himself!
Let’s Read Oak Park
Underground Books
Let’s Read Oak Park is presented by St. HOPE for elementary school-aged children to explore books and participate in hands-on activities with an emphasis on cultural themes. Students will engage in interactive book readings, and select a free book of their choice to take home and encourage reading together as a family!
Each child will receive a FREE book to take home from Underground Books.
Racial Equity AND Economic Justice
Message from the CEO - 1.24.24
As we celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. last week I was reflecting on the importance of having racial equity AND economic justice. The two are intimately intertwined and we must ensure that policies and practices are developed through a lens that provides equity and removes systemic barriers.
Santas Just Like Me
The importance of Black Santa during the holidays
December 11, 2023
According to a survey by the nonprofit, National Santa, white people make up 75% of Santas, while Black people account for less than 1%.
Author: Kandace Redd
Published: 5:44 PM PST December 11, 2023
Updated: 9:22 PM PST December 11, 2023
Supporting Winning Teams
Message from the CEO - 11.28.23
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. As I think about winning teams, I’m grateful for your support and generosity as we collectively work to uplift the Oak Park and greater Sacramento community. Speaking of winning teams, I’d like to give a shout out to our Sac High football team who came back from a slow start to make it to the second round of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Playoffs. I commend them for not giving up and making the necessary changes to finish strong. We should never count the Sac High Dragons out. Let’s go Dragons!
This Sacramento book store is defending Black and LGBTQ literature during Banned Books week
Kamuri Spears remembers a time not that long ago when the volumes on display at the Oak Park bookstore she manages were required reading in high school classrooms.
Classic works like “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” and “Invisible Man” explored the breadth of the African-American experience. And like “Native Son” and “The Color Purple,” which were all written by Black authors, have become fixtures on banned books lists nationwide.
Highlighting Success
President's Message - 9.26.23
We are excited to share with you our latest St. HOPE Annual Report 2021-2023 that includes highlights and data from our 2021-22 and 2022-23 fiscal years. As you’ll see, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to provide high quality education for youth in the Oak Park community. We are exceedingly proud of what our scholars at PS7 and Sac High accomplish each year and we are thrilled to watch our seniors graduate knowing they will do good for the world.
Thousands Dance In The Street For Juneteenth
Third Annual Block Party Held At 40 Acres In Oak Park
Thousands danced in the streets of Oak Park at St. Hope’s third annual Juneteenth Block Party at the 40 Acres Complex on June 17.
A stage sat in the middle of 34th Street, closing the road in front of Underground Books. Attendees in lawn chairs vacated their seats when the DJ played the Cupid Shuffle, gathering around the stage to do the line dance akin to the Electric Slide.
St. HOPE hosts Juneteenth block party in Oak Park
KCRA Ch. 3 - 6.17.2023
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
St. HOPE hosted its Juneteenth block party at 40 Acres Saturday.
“There’s no better place to do than in Oak Park, Sacramento,” said Adrianne Hall, of St. Hope.
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Human Rights Leader Ben Jealous To Speak Locally
Former NAACP President To Host Book-Signing Event At Underground Books
Ben Jealous, one of America’s modern-day advocates for human rights, justice, and the youngest person to serve as NAACP President and CEO, is scheduled to host a book signing event Monday, Feb. 20, at Underground Books. Jealous will be in conversation with OBSERVER publisher Larry Lee, followed by a book signing for his new book, “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free.” The event will start at 6 p.m.
Men who dress up as Black Santa Claus spread joy, diversity and inclusion for the holidays
12.21.22
As Santa Claus jingled up the steps to the Richardson family’s suburban Atlanta home on a chilly evening, two eager little faces appeared behind the opened door to greet him.
A jovial “Merry Christmas!” emerged from the white beard of Andre Parker, a professional Black Santa, as a boy and girl of the same complexion screamed with excitement in their pajamas.
Black Santas such as Santa Andre, as he’s known to children, are growing in popularity amid a rise in diversity and representation among traditional holiday characters.
Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy a Good Film
September 6, 2022
The Inaugural five-day “Oak Park Black Film Festival” kicks off Sept 7 at the Guild Theater.
The first annual Oak Park Black Film Festival is just days away – and it’s a must-see.
Oak Park Juneteenth Block Party Leaves Community Hopeful, Energized
CBS 13 - June 19, 2022
Juneteenth Celebration In Oak Park Promotes Opportunity For Change
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8-Year-Old Entrepreneur Finds A Sweet Spot
Sacramento Observer
On a triple-digit heat day in Sacramento, what’s better than an ice cold glass of lemonade?
Answer: supporting Achazia, an 8-year-old entrepreneur.
As the creator of Sippin’ Pretti Lemonade, Achazia has become one of the city’s youngest entrepreneurs. Founded in August 2021, the traveling pop-up business has delighted Sacramentans with homemade lemonade pouches for just $5. There are 25 flavors, including original, black cherry, watermelon, and a mystery flavor that has been guessed by only one customer.
Oak Park’s 1st annual Black Film Festival coming to Guild Theater
ABC 10
The 1st annual Black Film Festival for Oak Park will debut at the Guild Theater in Sacramento.
Sacramento-area bookstores celebrate their day with tour for bibliophiles (April 30)
The Sacramento Bee
Underground Books manager Georgia West, commonly known as “Mother Rose,” of Oak Park, admires a photo of a child with “Black Santa” during the second annual Christmas in Oak Park event Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at the bookstore and neighboring The Guild Theater. “For kids to see a Santa Claus that looks like them for a change … I mean any Santa is good, but I just think we need some options,” West said. “It’s a diverse community, and so we want diversity, we want everybody to come,” she added, “but I just think, for us, this is a great option and a great event.”
‘A place where we can show Black excellence’: Inside Sacramento region’s only Black-owned bookstore
KCRA - February 3, 2003
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
The Sacramento region’s only Black-owned bookstore can be found in the heart of Oak Park.
Underground Books opened its doors in 2003 to fill a need in its community: There are no public libraries in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood.
“If people don’t benefit, if the community doesn’t benefit, then we’re doing something wrong,” Cassandra Jennings told KCRA 3.
Underground Books: Gift Ideas
December 16, 2021
Still need ideas for gift giving? Ashley Williams is in Sacramento at Underground Books giving you great book gift giving ideas.
Colour of Music Festival Debuts in Sacramento November 10-13
We are thrilled to welcome the Colour of Music Festival to Sacramento! Since 2013, the Colour of Music Festival has showcased the talents of black classical musicians and composers and highlighted their impact and historical significance on American and world culture. The Festival began with performances in Charleston, South Carolina and is now bringing some of the top black classical musicians, trained at some of the most prestigious music schools, conservatories and universities in the world, to Sacramento.
‘Getting the recognition it deserves’: Community prepares for Juneteenth celebrations in Sacramento
KCRA 6.17.21
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
Juneteenth celebrations in Northern California are scheduled throughout the weekend.
The president and CEO of the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce said not only does it mark a celebration for the emancipation of slaves in 1863, but it’s also a celebration for those who finally learned of their freedom two years later.
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