Dadisi Sanyika Collection

The Dadisi Sanyika Collection (1850, 1880-1889, 1948, 1970-2005, 2013; undated) contains nine boxes and 4.5 linear feet of material belonging to Dadisi Sanyika and focuses on his 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 at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science. This collection is divided into four series. Series One: Personal contains personal material presumably belonging to Sanyika such as a journal; daily planner; John Muir Junior High and Jefferson High School yearbooks; notebooks related to coursework on electronics, radio communications, marketing, the Malcolm X Center, and occult philosophy; articles, biographical information, and an obituary about Sanyika; and other documents such as notes, emails, and event programs. The articles about Sanyika are in regards to his work with African dance and drumming. Series Two: Metaphysics and Occult Studies contains material related to metaphysics and occult studies, including astrology coursework, presentation flyer, pamphlets, astrological charts, and booklets generated by Golden Thread Productionsan African Aquarian Cultural Educational Inner-Attainment Company founded by Sanyika. This series also contains a notebook, coursework, and handouts from the Aquarian Spiritual Center, documents related to Black Gnostic Studies, University of Metaphysics lessons and exams; Philosophical Research Society catalogs and calendars; articles by H.P. Blavatksy, and articles, worksheets, handouts, and other documents on topics such as astrology, tarot, philosophy, Black Gnostic studies, metaphysics, and other esoteric studies. Lastly, this series contains personalized astrological reports, lessons, and charts. Series Three: Subject File contains meeting minutes, notes, mailing lists, flyers, event programs, articles, and other documents mostly related to African American cultural events and organizations. This includes presentations, lectures, conferences, markets, award ceremonies, theater, concerts, dance events, Kwanzaa celebrations, and others. Also included in this series is material related to various organizations Sanyika was involved in such as: The Knowledge Broker, Afrikan Cultural Center, Dembrebrah West African Drum and Dance Company, and Mori Nimba West African Dance Company. Lastly, this series contains 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. Series Four: Audiovisual Materials contains ontains VHS video tapes regarding West African drumming, music, and dance; as well as other drum instructional videos; recordings of dance companies and dance classes; wedding videos; a self-defense video featuring Sanyika; a video recording of the Million Man March; and others.