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Mountain View News Saturday, February 21, 2026 


CHRISTOPHER Nyerges

 Nyerges is the author of “Foraging California,” and “Testing Your Outdoor Survival Skills” 
(both of which have sections on mushrooms). For info on his many books and classes, he can 
be reached at Box 41834, Eagle Rock, CA, or www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com 

PASADENAN CHIOKE NAYO IS THE “SHAKING SPEAR” 

Author-Educator promotes a Healthy Lifestyle 

Pasadena author and herbal


ist “Shaking Spear” tells his 
creation story. 

When he was born in the small African town 
of Tondibi, his father paced back and forth in 
front of the hut where his mother was givingbirth. Because new life was something to celebrate, 
dancers moved by the spirits to welcome 
a new child, so they jumped, yelled, and 
wildly shook their spears. Someone from inside 
the hut gave the final signal that the child 
was arriving, and his father, overwhelmed by 
the moment, yelled at the dancers, “Stop shaking 
those spears!” The Griot who was sitting 
nearby the hut, now old and with failing hearing, 
heard only “Shaking Spear.” Thus, once 
the Griot’s ink dried, the name was recorded, 
and the baby boy was named Shaking Spear. 

That’s the personal mythology behind how 
Chioke Nayo acquired his pen name. Chioke 
Nayo actually grew up in Watts, California, 
and has been living in Pasadena for the last 30 
years as a teacher, herbalist, and Child Abuse 
Investigator. 

He talks about how wonderful it was growing 
up in Watts in the 60’s and 70’s. Unfortunately, 
when the 80’s arrived, so did crack cocaine. 
After graduating from Locke High School in 
1981, he went to the University of California, 
Riverside (UCR), where he earned bachelor’s 
degrees in Psychology and Business. After 
UCR, he earned a master’s degree in counsel-Nayo encourage a healthy lifestyle, which includes usinging. He is currently working toward a Doc-wild herbs such as nettle. 
torate in Psychology, specializing in health, at Photo by Christopher Nyerges 
National University.
While working as a County child abuse investigator for the past 30 years, Nayo pursued his studies in 
African herbalism and the true history of Africans in America. 

He was introduced to herbalism by former LA Rams football player and Master Herbalist Russell Harrison 
and began taking Russell’s herbal supplements. Russell is also a practicing herbalist in Pasadena. 
“I’ve always been interested in health and nutrition,” said Nayo, “and Russell’s products really helped 
me find the path to herbal health care.” 

Nayo began his business, Black God Science, in 2010. “It was my educational effort, trying to get 
people to eat better, to exercise, and to understand that their bodies could heal on their own with the 
proper lifestyle. I slowly introduced the herbal products I was developing from my studies,” he says.
Nayo helped one person at a time, informally, and spread the word by word of mouth. He is a member 
of Men Educating Men About Health (MEMAH) and also attends various health functions, makinghis products available. 

“One of my biggest influences was the great Dr. Sebi, who led me toward African herbs. He often said 
that every culture has its own healing system that serves and speaks to them, and so too must the African 
People,” explains Nayo. Dr. Sebi developed the African Bio-Mineral Healing System. “I hope to 
continue Dr. Sebi’s initiation of a healing system for African People and others, but specifically African 
People, since our health status seems to lead the world in mortality, morbidity, and disability. Lifestyle 
changes in diet, exercise, sleep, and de-stressing could dramatically improve our health status,” saysNayo.
Nayo points out that Dr. Sebi was one of the most influential black herbalists over the past 30+ years, 
but he did not know everything about health and healing, and no one does. There are hundreds of 
books written about him and his healing method, as well as the herbs he recommended, but “Sebi 
didn’t believe in books,” said Nayo with a smile. 

Note: You can find many interviews with Dr. Sebi on YouTube. Sebi was a strong proponent of natural 
living and of following the regimen set down by the African Ancestors thousands of years ago.
Using Dr. Sebi’s research as a foundation, Nayo conducted experiments on his own family and friends 
and conducted his own research. He has developed several herbal blends as well as a natural tooth 
powder and deodorant. 

Nayo is a proponent of letting your food be your medicine and of vigorous exercise. At age 63, he continues 
to run about 5 marathons a year. He started running full marathons in 2011 and has run every

L.A. Marathon for the past 15 years. 
His 10 books, written under his pen name Shaking Spear, are unique lessons for black readers, though 
he points out that people from all walks of life buy his books. He often does pop-ups and attends health 
fairs or special events, selling his herbal products as well as his books. 


In fact, he observes that among his books, the one titled “A Conversation with the Ancestors and Others 
about Solving the Problem: Racism/ White Supremacy” is the most popular among customers from 
various ethnic groups. 

Nayo is an educator and wellness coach with a passion for helping others live a better life. “In my sojourn 
in life and as a lifelong learner,” he says, “there is a wide diversity of African people throughout 
the planet. We have a long history of taking care of ourselves to be optimal people, and we must do it 
again!” he adds. 

For a number of years, Nayo and his wife operated a private school in their home, Sankofa SBA ACADEMY, 
with up to 50 students at its peak. “Our mission statement was to put whatever subject we were 
exploring in the middle and examine it from your perspective. Regardless of ethnicity, students were 
allowed to have their own perspective,” he explains, pointing to an ancient method of learning that 
calls for “bringing out the greatness that the gods and goddesses put in you” in the student. 

BlackGodScienceHerbs.com includes not only the human beings on this planet but also how human 
beings connect to the land, ocean, sky, sun, moon, plants, animals, etc., all one big system. 

Nayo’s work is driven by these three principles, as stated on his website, BlackGodScienceHerbs.com 

1. “Let The Herbs Heal The Nation” was a rallying cry from the Revolutionary Dr. Sebi and his AfricanBio-Mineral Method for healing. 
2. “Helping Those Who Need The Most Help [And Want The Help] And Not [Intentionally] Mistreating 
Anyone” is the idea that Mr. Neely Fuller, Jr. put forth to the world to produce balance amongpeople and to bring Justice to the world. 
3. “[The God and Goddess] created man and woman in their own image.” African People gave thanksto the Gods and Goddesses who not only produced us in their image but also provided everything onthe earth to help us become optimal people and maintain the original human genome for humanity. 
FRIENDLY LITTLE FELINE 

A funny, petite little girl, 
smart and playful. Sure to 
make you laugh with her 
antics. Frannie is a healthykitty, eats well and is neat 
in her litter box. Likes to be 
around people and is a good 
companion. 
Will come when you whistle. Does not go outside.


Fran needs to be the "boss kitty" and would be best as a 

single cat. 

Her elderly owners simple cannot take good care of her 
now, and want to find her a loving home where she will 
be cherished. 
Born 2018. 

To apply to meet her, just go directly to Frannie’s website 
page at https://www.lifelineforpets.org/frannie.html 
or use the qr code. 

Pet of the Week 

At 13 years young, Brodie (A526614) is proofthat age is just a number. This easygoing Labmix is an absolute sweetheart who’s mastered 
the art of companionship. He’s low-key andcalm, happiest when he’s lounging nearby,
enjoying gentle pets, or heading out for acomfortable stroll around the block. Brodie 
walks nicely on leash, has excellent mobilityfor his age, and still gets a spark of joy fromsniffing adventures and the occasional squirrelchase. He’s fully house-trained, adjusts easilyto new routines, and rarely barks—makinghim a wonderfully peaceful housemate. 

Brodie is extremely food motivated and 
absolutely lights up for treats, snuffle mats,
and puzzle toys. He may pass on traditional 
toys, but give him a brain game with snacksinvolved, and he’s all in! He bonds quickly to people and loves snuggles, often content tosimply rest by your side. He may have some hearing loss, but he responds well to hand signalsand doesn’t let it slow him down one bit. 


Brodie isn’t a fan of car rides and has been known to counter surf if tasty treasures are leftwithin reach, but those are small quirks in an otherwise near-perfect gentleman. If you’relooking for a calm, affectionate, devoted companion to share your couch and your heart,
Brodie is ready to meet you. 

The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, andage-appropriate vaccines. 

Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. View photos of adoptable 
pets at pasadenahumane.org. 

New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA AnimalHospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet. 

Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phonecalls or email. 

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com