Dadisi Sanyika Collection

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.