The Talking Drums Newsletter

06/19/2026

06/15/2026

In celebration of Juneteenth, the Black Hair & Black Hygiene Project (BHBH) will host a Collection Drive. We will collect Black hair and hygiene products for impacted families and unhoused residents on Tuesday, June 30, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the African Research Institute office, 4104 44th Street, Sacramento, CA 95820 (across the street from Jack Davis Park at 16th Ave and 44th Street).

To donate items such as travel-size lotions, toothbrushes, shampoos, toothpaste, hair grease, combs, leave-in hair conditioner, soap, and washcloths, please contact us at [email protected].

We are seeking volunteers to assist with the Collection Drive on Tuesday, June 30, from 4:30 PM-6:30 PM. To volunteer, please email us at: [email protected].

06/15/2026

Caribbean Currents Festival - June 28

06/13/2026

Big Tech is building AI data centers in our communities, and Black neighborhoods are paying the price with dirtier air, higher energy bills, and strained water supplies. That's not progress.
The NAACP has been fighting back through policy, the courts, and fierce advocacy, but the work — and discussions around it — must continue.
Ahead of , on June 17, at 5 p.m. ET, NAACP's own Abre' Conner will join Seattle-based activist and digital creator Evan Yells at Clouds ( on Instagram) for an IG Live conversation on his page, diving into how data center fights are "localized freedom work" and democracy in action. Don't miss it! https://naacp.org/campaigns/stop-dirty-data-centers

Big Tech is building AI data centers in our communities, and Black neighborhoods are paying the price with dirtier air, higher energy bills, and strained water supplies. That's not progress.

The NAACP has been fighting back through policy, the courts, and fierce advocacy, but the work — and discussions around it — must continue.

Ahead of , on June 17, at 5 p.m. ET, NAACP's own Abre' Conner will join Seattle-based activist and digital creator Evan Yells at Clouds ( on Instagram) for an IG Live conversation on his page, diving into how data center fights are "localized freedom work" and democracy in action. Don't miss it! https://naacp.org/campaigns/stop-dirty-data-centers

06/13/2026

MIDWIFERY STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP - Tanya Khemet Taiwo Scholarship — NACPM - Application Deadline June 30, 2026.

Recognizing the transformational power of concordant care, the impact of limited access for Black and Indigenous people to Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) care, and the acute lack of diversity in the CPM workforce, NACPM is investing in the systemic changes and the direct student aid needed to....

06/11/2026

Sacramento Pride, Juneteenth and More Fill a Packed Week

Juneteenth festivals, Sacramento Pride, R&B shows, comedy, brunch and an author talk highlight a full week of culture and community across the city.

06/11/2026

City pools opening for summer season with $2 admission weekend

Summer is making a splash in Sacramento as City-operated pools open for the season this weekend with special $2 admission at neighborhood pools on Saturday and Sunday.

The Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment (YPCE) invites residents to kick off the summer swim season by visiting one of the City’s neighborhood pools and enjoying affordable recreation close to home.

“Providing safe, affordable and accessible aquatic opportunities for Sacramento families remains a top priority,” said Sjon Swanson, YPCE recreation manager. “Our pools offer residents a place to stay active, cool off during the summer months and connect with their community.”

Following the opening weekend celebration, regular recreation swim admission at neighborhood pools will be $3 for youth and $5 for adults. North Natomas Aquatics Complex costs $7 for youth and $9 for adults and will be open 7 days per week.

Four free play/wading pools will be open for children under 7.

In addition to daytime recreation swim, YPCE continues to offer Family Night Rec Swim designed to provide access outside traditional work hours. Many neighborhood pools host a weekday Family Night, with schedules staggered so that at least one City pool offers Family Night Rec Swim each weekday.

All City pools are open on both Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer, providing additional opportunities for residents who are unable to visit during the work week.

Pannell Meadowview, Clunie, and the North Natomas Aquatics Complex pools also remain open until 6 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Aquatics programming includes swim lessons, recreational swimming, lap swimming, swim teams and water fitness classes. Youth Program Scholarship Funds are available to help qualifying families participate in aquatics programs at no cost.

Residents can also cool off at City spray parks and splash pads, which operate until Oct. 1.

For pool schedules, swim lesson registration and additional aquatics information, visit cityofsacramento.gov/Aquatics.

Pool locations

Regional Aquatics Complex

North Natomas Aquatics Complex (2601 New Market Drive)
Neighborhood Pools

Cabrillo Pool (1648 65th Ave.)
Clunie Pool (601 Alhambra Blvd.)
Doyle Pool (2827 Mendel Way)
Glenn Hall Pool (5201 Carlson Drive)
George Sim Pool (6207 Logan Way)
Johnston Pool (231 Eleanor Ave.)
Mangan Pool (2230 34th Ave.)
McClatchy Pool (3500 5th Ave.)
Oki Pool (2715 Wissemann Drive)
Pannell Meadowview Pool (2450 Meadowview Road)
Southside Pool (2107 6th St.)
Tahoe Pool (3501 59th St.)
Wading Pools

Bertha Henschel Play Pool (160 45th St.)
Colonial Play Pool (5315 19th Ave.)
Robertson Play Pool (3525 Norwood Ave.)
William Land Play Pool (1300 13th Ave.)
https://sacramentocityexpress.com/2026/06/10/city-pools-opening-for-summer-season-with-2-admission-weekend-celebration/

Summer is making a splash in Sacramento as City-operated pools open for the season this weekend with special $2 admission at neighborhood pools on Saturday and Sunday. The Department of Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment (YPCE) invites residents to kick off the summer swim season by visiting one o...