Inventory of the Dadisi Sanyika Collection SPC.2015.002
Finding aid prepared by Kendall Hinesley
California State University Dominguez Hills, Gerth Archives and Special Collections
2015
University Library South -5039 (Fifth Floor)
1000 E. Victoria St.
Carson, CA 90747
archives@csudh.edu
Contributing Institution:
California State University Dominguez Hills, Gerth Archives and Special Collections
Title: Dadisi Sanyika Collection
Identifier/Call Number: SPC.2015.002
Physical Description:
14 boxes
Physical Description:
7 Linear Feet
Date (inclusive): 1940s-2005
Date (inclusive): 1970-2005
Abstract: This collection contains archival material and rare books related to Dadisi Sanyika and his interests in African American
history and culture, African drumming and dance, and the study of astrology, metaphysics, occultism, black gnostic studies,
and PermaCulture. Included in the collection are published books and periodicals, pamphlets, yearbooks, handwritten notes,
study materials, lesson plans, astrology charts, ephemera, newspaper clippings, and VHS tapes.
Language of Material:
English
.
Access
There are no access restrictions on this collection.
Publication Rights
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives
and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical
materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Preferred Citation
Acquisition Information
Collection donated to CSUDH Archives Gloria M. Sanyika, and the Sanyika Family.
Processing Information
This collection was processed in 2015 by Kendall Hinesley and Willliam Marshall Jr.
Biography
Dadisi Sanyika was an educational facilities planner, teacher, artist, writer, traditional African drummer and dancer, researcher,
astrologer, ordained metaphysical minister, social activist, martial arts master, and philosopher. He was born John Carl Stitt
in Los Angeles, California, November 30th, 1948, and later changed his name to Dadisi Feleji Sanyika. Though he appears to
have solely used Sanyika as his last name from that point on, he regularly used several combinations of his birth and assumed
names such as: John Sanyika, John Stitt Sanyika, Dadisi Stitt Sanyika, and Dadisi Sanyika. He was raised in Los Angels' South
Central area, and attended Los Angeles City College and California State University Los Angeles. He married was to Gloria
(Heshima) Sanyika, with whom he had three daughters: Timiza Kwa-utulivu, Sebek-Nefera, and Neith Ra.
Professionally, Sanyika was the Director of Facilities Planning at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science for 15
years. Outside of this, he was involved in a number of endeavors and held multiple positions including: the Artistic Director
of Dembrebrah West African Drum and Dance Ensemble, Director of Black Gnostic Studies with the Aquarian Spiritual Center,
founder of Golden Thread Productions (an African Aquarian Cultural Educational Inner-Attainment Company), co-founder and editor
for the Knowledge Broker newspaper, practicing astrologer, founder of the Malcolm X Community Youth Center, founder of the
Watts Community Policy and Planning Institute, and teacher at Christ Unity Center in Los Angeles and the African Cultural
Research Center in Long Beach.
As part of his interest in metaphysics and occult philosophy, Sanyika was closely aligned with the Aquarian Spiritual Center
and Bookshop in Los Angeles, studying there for twenty seven years, and acting as the Director of Studies from 1985-1991.
Founded by Alfred and Bernice Ligon, the center was prominent within the black community. They hosted the first black history
classes offered in Los Angeles, the founding of the US organization, Community Theater, occult philosophy lectures and classes,
and black authors' autograph parties. In 1969 Sanyika and others from the Spiritual Center developed Black Gnostic Studies.
They concentrated on the connections between metaphysical thought and Ancient African cultures including those in Egypt and
Ethiopia. From these studies came the concept of Blacks as "Seed People" (the source of life and culture).
Dadisi Sanyika passed away on January 28th, 2005 at the age of 56.
Scope and Content
The Dadisi Sanyika collection consists of over 800 published books (including small press and self-published works), published
serials, pamphlets, paper ephemera, correspondence, newspaper clippings, newsletters, administrative documents, and VHS tapes.
The collection is split between archival materials described to the folder level, and published materials catalogued individually
and searchable through the California State University Dominguez Hills Library catalog.
Published materials focus on African American history and culture, African dance and drumming, Egyptology and the study of
Ancient Egyptian religion, astrology, Cabala, tarot, metaphysics, occult philosophy, Jungian thought and psychoanalysis, Gnostic
studies, and other esoteric studies. Books in the collection were used heavily in Sanyika's studies and work at the Aquarian
Spiritual center. Sanyika, Alfred Ligon, and others at the center used books on Egyptology and other ancient African civilizations
in their work and teachings on the concepts of Black Gnostic Studies and SEED People. Because of the close relationship between
Sanyika and the Aquarian Spiritual Center, books in the Dadisi Sanyika Aquarian collection are shelved together with books
from the Alfred and Bernice Ligon Aquarian Collection. The two can be searched simultaneously by searching for "Aquarian collection,"
or individually by searching "Sanyika/Aquarian" or "Ligon/Aquarian".
The archival collection focuses on biographical materials covering Sanyika's many endeavors as a cultural and spiritual community
leader, his work in the study of occult philosophy and esoteric studies, his astrology practice, African American cultural
events, African dance and drumming, and Permaculture (a sustainable mode agriculture and social planning based on natural
ecosystems). The bulk of the collection material focuses on his work in these areas rather than his personal life or professional
career as a Director of Facilities Planning.
Biographical materials include his yearbooks from John Muir Middle School and Jefferson High School in South Central Los
Angeles; newspaper and magazine articles about Sanyika's work with African dance and drumming, Golden Thread Productions,
and his involvement with cultural events. Also included are notebooks with notes on planning and management.
Materials concerning metaphysics and esoteric studies include notes, lesson plans, assignments, tests, readings, flyers and
handouts, and astrology charts prepared by Sanyika. Topics in this area include astrology, tarot, philosophy, SEED people
and Black Gnostic Studies, metaphysics, and other esoteric studies. Also included are flyers, handouts, and other materials
from the Aquarian Spiritual Center. Materials concerning African and African American culture include flyers, handouts, event
tickets, magazine and newspaper clippings, and VHS videos on African drumming and dance.
Items found within individual books cataloged for the collection were removed unless the context of the book is necessary
to understand the item. Removal is noted in the catalog record for the book when the connection between the item and the book
is useful but not necessary for the item to remain in the book. Items include: bookmarks from local bookstores, event tickets,
event flyers, notes, business cards, and publisher order cards.
The collection also includes materials on Sanyika's interest and work with PermaCulture, a sustainable mode agriculture and
social planning based on natural ecosystems. Included are notes on PermaCulture design and application, flyers and brochures,
e-mails from the Los Angeles PermaCulture Guild, and project proposals and plans.
Arrangement
Arranged in 5 series:
- Series I: Personal/Biographical, Dates 1962-2004; boxes 1-2.
- Series II: Esoteric Studies, Dates 1960s-2004; boxes 3-6.
- Series III: African and African American and Cultural Materials, Dates 1990s-2000s; boxes 7-12.
- Series IV: Items removed from books, Dates 1970s-2000s; boxes 13.
- Series V: PermaCulture, Dates 2003-2004; boxes 14.
Separated Materials
The collection includes over 800 published books and serials individually cataloged and searchable through the University
Library catalog (www4.csudh.edu/library/), or WorldCat (www.worldcat.org). All items are labeled as Sanyika/Aquarian Collection.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
African Americans -- Culture
African American dance
Astrology
Blacks -- Religion
Dance -- Africa
Drum -- Performance -- Africa
Existentialism
Gnosticism
Metaphysics
New Age movement
Occultism
Tarot
African Americans -- Poetry
African Americans -- Civil rights
African Americans -- History
Alternative medicine
Astrology
Black theology
Blacks -- Egypt
Blacks -- Religion
Civil Rights Movement
Color -- Therapeutic use
Cosmogony
Egypt -- Civilization
Existentialism
Geometry -- Philosophy
Gnosticism
Hatha yoga -- Therapeutic use
Houses (Astrology)
Jesus Christ -- Words -- Extra-canonical parallels
Jesus Christ -- New Age movement interpretations
Magic
Metaphysics
Music -- Philosophy and aesthetics
Mythology
Pan-Africanism
Psychoanalysis and religion
Race
Race relations
Spiritualism
Spirituality
Symbolism of numbers.
Bailey, Alice, 1880-1949
Ashby, Muata
Budge, E. A. Wallis, Sir (Ernest Alfred Wallis), 1857-1934
Aquarian Spiritual Center (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Churchward, Albert
Baker, Douglas
Besant, Annie, 1847-1933
Clymer, R. Swinburne (Reuben Swinburne), 1878-1966
Curtiss, Harriette Augusta, 1856?-1932
Eliade, Mircea, 1907-1986
Fortune, Dion
Gadalla, Moustafa, 1944
Gauquelin, Michel, 1928-1991
Ghose, Aurobindo, 1872-1950
Hall, Manly P. (Manly Palmer), 1901-1990
Hartmann, Franz, 1838-1912
Heline, Corinne, 1882-
Hodson, Geoffrey, 1886-1983
Jackson, John G.
Jones, Marc Edmund, 1888-1980
Jung, C.G. (Carl Gustav), 1875-1961
Lévi, Éliphas, 1810-1875
Massey, Gerald, 1828-1907
Purucker, G. de (Gottfried), 1874-1942
Regardie, Israel
Rudhyar, Dane, 1895-1985
Sakoian , Frances
Saraydarian, Torkom
Schwaller de Lubicz, R.A.
Series I: Personal
1962-2004
Physical Description: 1 linear foot
Physical Description: 2 boxes
Scope and Contents
This series includes yearbooks from John Muir Middle School and Jefferson High School in South Central Los Angeles; an obituary,
newspaper and magazine articles about Sanyika's work with African dance and drumming, documents concerning Golden Thread Productions,
and articles and ephemera from cultural events. Also included are notebooks with notes on planning and management.
box 1, folder 1
Personal Biograpical (obituary, business cards, questionaire, newspaper articles)
1990s-2000s
box 1, folder 3
Jefferson High School Yearbook
1966
box 1, folder 4
John Muir Junior High Yearbook
1962
box 1, folder 5
Jefferson High School Yearbook
1964
Published books by Dadisi Sanyika. Swords: a Poem. Rise of the Midnight Son. African Drum and Dance:The Reconnection with
African Ancestral Wison
2000
box 2, folder 1
Notebook (electricity,physics,etc.)
box 2, folder 4
Notebook (small business marketing)
box 2, folder 5
Notebook (metaphysics and occult studies)
Series II: Metaphysics and Occult Studies
1960s-2004
Physical Description: 2 Linear Feet
Physical Description: 3 boxes
Scope and Contents
This series includes materials concerning metaphysics and occult studies. Formats include: notes, lesson plans, assignments,
tests, readings, flyers and handouts, and astrology charts prepared by Sanyika. Topics in this area include astrology, tarot,
philosophy, SEED people and Black Gnostic Studies, metaphysics and other esoteric studeis. Also included are flyers, handouts,
and other materials from the Aquarian Spiritual Center.
box 3, folder 1
Astrology Readings (1 of 3)
box 3, folder 2
Astrology Readings (2 of 3)
box 3, folder 3
Astrology Readings (3 of 3)
box 3, folder 4
G.T Astro Outline Astrological Chart, Outline, and Calculations
box 3, folder 5
Rebirth of the Mysteries Series Charts
1999-2000
box 3, folder 6
3 Crosses Astrological Handouts
box 3, folder 7
Notebook #1 Cycles and Charts
box 3, folder 8
New Cycle of Meditation and Rhythm of the Drum Brochures
box 3, folder 9
Masonry, Initiation, Solomon (BGS) Notes, Lessons Plans, and Masonic Charts
box 3, folder 10
Higher Magic-Levi Readings
box 3, folder 11
Chakras, Clairvoyance, etc. Subject file
box 3, folder 12
Spring Cleaning/Health Diet Lessons Plans
box 3, folder 13
Easter Flyers and Studies
box 3, folder 15
Philosophical Research Society
box 3, folder 16
Black Gnostic Studies and Masonry Concepts
box 3, folder 17
Black Gnostic Studies Workshops
1981,1985
box 3, folder 19
Wynn: The Astrology Student's Handbook; Aspect Houses. Astro Carto Graphy (booklet about astrology and planetary influence)
box 3, folder 20
Charles A. Jayne Jr.: The Cycle-Pattern of Civilization reprint of 1948 ed.
1948
box 4, folder 1
Jamal/Vicki Astrology Chart
2001
box 4, folder 2
Yendi Astrological Calculations
2003
box 4, folder 4
Queen Astroloy Chart
2003
box 4, folder 5
Chuck Hicks Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 6
Carla Hicks Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 7
Manya Anderson Letters and Astrology Charts
2004
box 4, folder 8
Tommy Astrology Charts
2004
box 4, folder 9
Elayne Dolores Sanders Numerology Analysis
box 4, folder 10
Melida Hines (8) Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 11
Gregory Praeter Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 12
Baby Sharma/Lily Astrology Chart
2003
box 4, folder 13
Brother X Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 14
Astro Charts Letters
October, November 2003
box 4, folder 15
Baby Michelle Astrology Chart
2003
box 4, folder 16
Franklin Michelle Astrology Chart
2003
box 4, folder 17
Kathryn Farmer Astrological Calculations
2004
box 4, folder 18
Kenka Astrological Calculations and Charts
2004
box 4, folder 19
Shamala Astrology Chart
2003
box 4, folder 20
Rena Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 21
Lendra Lee (60) Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 23
Willeta Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 24
Alia Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 25
Percell Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 26
Kenyaka Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 27
Taiwo Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 28
Asali Astrology Chart
2003
box 4, folder 29
Lois Palmer Astrology Chart
2003
box 4, folder 30
Aurora Lee Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 31
Whyatt Lee Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 32
Taybren Lee Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 33
Donyelle Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 34
Quincey Mitchell Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 35
Peter Farmer Astrology Chart
2003-2004
box 4, folder 36
Kamal Astrology Chart
2004
box 4, folder 37
Mary Pratar Astrology Chart and Calculations
2003
box 4, folder 38
Danielle Astrology Chart
2003
box 4, folder 39
Kweku Jones Astrology Chart
box 4, folder 40
Kusudi Astrology Chart
August 2003
box 4, folder 41
Qya's Sisterhood (Charts)
2003
box 4, folder 42
Seth Lennon Weiner Astrology Chart
box 4, folder 43
Erica Byrd Astrology Chart
2003
box 4, folder 44
Beverly Coleman "Ushukela" Letter, Astrology Chart, and Calculations
2003
box 4, folder 45
Timiza Astrology Chart
2003
box 4, folder 50
Steve Faison Astrology Chart
2003
box 4, folder 51
Kevin Terry Astrological Calculations
2003
box 4, folder 52
Alexander Astrological Calculations and Charts
2003-2004
box 4, folder 2
Astrology Charts and Readings
box 4, folder 3
Astrology Charts and Readings
box 4, folder 4
Dadisi #55 Astrology Charts and Readings
box 5, folder 6
University of Metaphysics; Study Lesson Exams
box 5, folder 7
University of Metaphysics, lessons and exams
box 5, folder 8
University of Metaphysics Lessons
box 5, folder 9
Bruce S. Fisher: Man, Grand Reflection of the Greater Cosmos
October 12, 1995
box 5, folder 10
Personalized Astrology Lesson, Astro Communications Services Inc. Prepared for John Sanyika
2004
box 5, folder 11
Adams:MA'AT (Ancient Egyptian Spirituality)
Print-out of articles by H.P. Blavatsky from Blavatsky.org
1997
Series III: African and African American Cultural Studies and Events
circa 1990s-2000s
Physical Description: 3 Linear Feet
Physical Description: 5 boxes
Scope and Contents
This series includes materials concerning African and African American culture. Formats include flyers, handouts, event tickets,
magazine and newspaper clippings, and VHS videos on African drumming and dance.
box 7, folder 1
African American Mental Health Conf. Letters and Workshop Presenters Application
2003
box 7, folder 2
African Technological Resource Conference; The Knowledge Broker. notes, flyers, agendas, etc.
1992
box 7, folder 3
The Knowledge Broker Administrative Materials
1992
box 7, folder 4
African Cultural Center Mailing List
box 7, folder 6
A Society of Men Notebook
2001
box 7, folder 7
African and African American Cultural Events and Flyers
box 7, folder 8
African Druming and Dance
box 7, folder 9
Golden Thread Productions Mailers
2000
box 8, folder 1
Truth Seeker Handbook: Training in African Spirituality
box 8, folder 2
Universal Revolutionary Wisdom Study Books for the Wise
box 8, folder 6
The Black Orange (Orange County, California, African American Newsletter
June 1992
box 9, folder 1
African Dance and Percussion Videos
1991
box 9, folder 2
The Healing Passage Video
2004
box 9, folder 3
The Healing Passage Video
2004
box 9, folder 4
Journey into Rhythm Video
box 10, folder 1
Pangols and Rhythmes Traditionnels du Mandingue Videos
box 10, folder 2
Leeyen Story and CSULB Celebration Afrikan Culture Videos
1998
box 10, folder 4
Doundolinba, Sano, and Maharishi's System of Rehabilitation
box 11, folder 1
Black Dance Programs Videos
1992
box 11, folder 2
A Kalahari Family, Views of American Futurists, and 1992 Dance Classes
1992
box 11, folder 3
Power Nomics and African Ballet Videos
box 11, folder 4
Jailyaa, Malcolm X, and 50th Jubalee Videos
box 12, folder 1
Million Man March, L.A. Keita, Cinetrea and Akebulan Videos
1995,1998,2000
box 12, folder 2
Music and Dance of Guinea and Mamady Leita Videos
box 12, folder 3
Hoxsey The (?) Cured Cancer, A Kalahaki Family, Great Homecoming Videos
1998
box 12, folder 4
Diary of an Angry Black Woman, Rae and David Wedding, John Sterling Mystery Series Videos
box 13, folder 1
Items removed from books (bookmarks, tickets, flyers, cards etc.)
1960s-1990s
Series IV: Items Removed from Books
1970s-2000s
Physical Description: 0.5 Linear Feet
Physical Description: 1 box
Scope and Contents
This series consists of items removed from published books cataloged individually including bookmarks from local bookstores,
event tickets, event flyers, notes, business cards, and publisher order cards.
box 13, folder 2
Items removed from books (bookmarks, tickets, flyers, cards etc.)
1960s-1990s
box 13, folder 3
Items removed from books (bookmarks, tickets, flyers, cards etc.)
1960s-1990s
box 13, folder 4
African American Publications
1990s
Series V: PermaCulture
2003-2004
Physical Description: 0.5 Linear Feet
Physical Description: 1 box
Scope and Contents
This series consists of materials on Sanyika's interest and work with PermaCulture, a sustainable mode agriculture and social
planning based on natural ecosystems. Included are notes on PermaCulture design and application, flyers and brochures, e-mails
from the Los Angeles, PermaCulture Guild, and project proposals and plans.
box 14, folder 1
Permaculture Design Notes (notebook)
2003
box 14, folder 2
Permaculture notes (notebook)
2004
box 14, folder 3
Permaculture team project (notes, assignments, and flyers)
2003-2004
box 14, folder 4
Permaculture lesson plans and flyers
2004
box 14, folder 5
Urban Permaculture notes (notebook)
2003
box 14, folder 6
Permaculture fylers and brocures
2003
box 14, folder 7
Food forestry project flyers
2000-2004
box 14, folder 8
LA Permaculture Guild (e-mail newsletters)
2003
box 14, folder 9
Building Sustainable Communities in Southern Californnia, A Confernece of the Southern California Council on Environment and
Development. April 18, 1994
April 18, 1994
