Anniversary of Emperor Haile Selassie's Death

“Outside the kingdom of the Lord there is no nation which is greater than any other. God and history will remember your judgment” - Emperor Haile Selassie

(Emperor Haile Selassie)

Emperor Haile Selassie was born as Tafari Makonnen Woldemikael on July 23rd, 1892 in Ejersa Goro, Ethiopia. In 1906 his father died. In 1907 he was appointed governor over part of the province of Sidamo.

(Woldemikael as a child)

In 1916 he was appointed to the position of Balemulu Silt'an Enderase. In 1918 Woldemikael came down with the flu during a flu epidemic but survived. In 1924 he was given the title Ras. Also in 1924 Tafari toured Europe and the Middle East. During this time To guard against economic imperialism, Tafari required that all enterprises in Ethiopia have at least partial local ownership. Throughout his travels he and his entourage were greeted with enthusiasm and fascination. His entourage also included a pride of lions which some were given as gifts to world leaders.

(Woldemikael in 1924)

In 1928 he was promoted to the title of Negus. Also in 1928 Woldemikael was challenged when Dejazmatch Balcha Safo went to Addis Ababa with a sizeable armed force. Woldemikael then bought off Safo’s army and arranged to have him displaced. In 1930 he changed his name to “Haile Selassie”.

(Selassie in 1930)

Also in 1930 he was promoted to the title of emperor. Selassie then defeated a force that tried to take over Addis Ababa. In 1931 he introduced Ethiopia's 1st written constitution. In 1934 Italy tried to invade Ethiopia. In 1935 Selassie set up a headquarters so he could help lead the defense of his country from the Italians. The Italians would employ chemical weapons extensively throughout the conflict, even targeting Red Cross field hospitals in violation of the Geneva Conventions.

(Selassie in 1935)

In 1936 he launched a counteroffensive against the Italians. His army was defeated and retreated in disarray. Selassie and his family had to be exiled Jerusalem. Italy then declared Ethiopia an Italian provence. Selassie’s speech to the League of Nations about Italy’s war crimes made the emperor an icon for anti fascists around the world. The League agreed to only partial and ineffective sanctions on Italy. Selassie spent his exile in England. In 1937 Selassie was involved in a traffic accident, leaving him with a fractured knee.

(Selassie in 1937)

In 1941 with the help of South African and British troops, Selassie returned to Ethiopia to take it from Italian control. Selassie then took back control of the country. In 1942 Selassie abolished the legal basis of slavery throughout the empire.

(Selassie in 1942)

In 1947 he sent aid to the British government when Britain was affected by heavy flooding. In 1951 he reduced the flat tax of Ethiopia. In 1954 the emperor spoke of Ethiopian participation in the Korean War as a redemption of the principles of collective security. In 1955 Selassie introduced a revised constitution.

(Selassie in 1955)

In 1960 Selassie contributed Ethiopian troops to the United Nations Operation in the Congo peacekeeping force during the Congo crisis. Also in 1960 there was an unsuccessful coup to try to dispose Selassie. The coup spurred Selassie to accelerate reform. In 1962 Selassie declared Eritrea the fourteenth province of Ethiopia. Eritrea then started a war for their independence.

(Selassie in 1962)

In 1963 Selassie presided over the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Selassie was elected as the OAU's first official chairperson. Also in 1963 Selassie attended President Kennedy’s funeral. In 1964 Selassie would initiate the concept of the United States of Africa, a proposition later taken up by Muammar Gaddafi.

(Selassie (Right) with Jomo Kenyatta (Left))

In 1966 Selassie attempted to create a modern, progressive tax that included registration of land, which would significantly weaken the nobility. This law led to a revolt in Gojjam. In 1967 he visited Montreal, Canada to open the Ethiopian Pavilion at the Expo '67 World's Fair. In 1970 he visited Italy.

(Selassie in 1970)

In 1971 he visited China and met Chairman Mao. In 1972 famine killed 40,000 Ethiopians. Reports show that Selassie was unaware of the extent of the famine. In 1973 there was an oil crisis in Ethiopia. In 1974 4 days of serious riots in Addis Ababa against a sudden economic inflation left five dead. Selassie was then deposed from power and imprisoned.

(Selassie in 1974)

On August 27th, 1975 Emperor Haile Selassie died of respiratory failure in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He was 83 years old.

(Selassie’s funeral)

Today is the 42nd anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great emperor today.

Videos of Emperor Haile Selassie

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94V5EFu4uHo  “Emperor Haile Selassie's I interesting footage”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDI12q-TtHw  “Haile Selassie's Second State Visit to the United States, October 1963”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh5g583c10g  “HIM HAILE SELASSIE VISIT TO JAMAICA”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCm-0H6MrKE  “HIM Haileselassie at League of nations”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyX2kXeFUlo  “Stock Footage - 1936 NEWS: EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE OF ETHIOPIA ADDRESSES LEAGUE OF NATIONS”

Happy Birthday Emperor Menelik II

“Enemies have now come upon us to ruin our country and to change our religion. Our enemies have begun the affair by advancing and digging into the country like moles. With the help of God I will not deliver my country to them. Today, you who are strong, give me your strength, and you who are weak, help me by prayer” - Emperor Menelik II

(Emperor Menelik II)

Emperor Menelik II was born as Abeto Menelik on August 17th, 1844 in Shewa, Ethiopia. In 1855 he was named successor to the throne of Shewa. Menelik declared himself Negus. Since he did not take part in the 1868 expedition to Abyssinia his rival was able to benefit with gifts of modern weapons and supplies from the British. In 1878 his rival took control of Menelik’s land but gave him gifts such as cannons, rifles and ammunition.

(Menelik II in 1878)

In 1883 he got married to Taytu Betul. In 1888 the great famine started. In 1889 after his rival died in battle Menelik became ruler again. He was then crowned “Nəgusä Nägäst”. Also in the same year he signed a treaty with the Italians. Since there was 2 versions of the treaty the Italian version gave the Italians more power in the treaty. Menelik then rejected the treaty once he found out about it. The Italians the invaded Ethiopia. Eritrea sided with Ethiopia when Italy attacked.

(A Drawing of Menelik II in 1889)

In 1893 he made an alliance with Russia. In 1894 he authorize the making of a railroad in the country. In 1896 the Ethiopians defeated the Italians at the battle of Adwa. He then signed another treaty with Italy so that Italy would recognize Ethiopia as an independent nation.

(A Painting of Menelik II in 1896)

In 1895 Menelik was suppressing the slave trade. In 1898 Menelik crushed a rebellion within the country.

(Menelik II in 1898)

He also brought together many rival areas to coexist with each other. He also established the 1st modern hospital, modern bank and modern postal system in Ethiopia. In 1909 Menelik suffered a stroke which made him unable to lead Ethiopia making his wife in charge of the country.

(Menelik II in 1909)

On December 12th, 1913 Emperor Menelik II died due to failing health in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He was 69 years old.

(A Statue of Menelik II)

Today is his 173rd birthday and we would all like to say happy birthday and rest in peace Emperor Menelik II.

Happy Birthday Emperor Haile Selassie

“Outside the kingdom of the Lord there is no nation which is greater than any other. God and history will remember your judgment” - Emperor Haile Selassie

(Emperor Haile Selassie)

Emperor Haile Selassie was born as Tafari Makonnen Woldemikael on July 23rd, 1892 in Ejersa Goro, Ethiopia. In 1906 his father died. In 1907 he was appointed governor over part of the province of Sidamo.

(Woldemikael as a child)

In 1916 he was appointed to the position of Balemulu Silt'an Enderase. In 1918 Woldemikael came down with the flu during a flu epidemic but survived. In 1924 he was given the title Ras. Also in 1924 Tafari toured Europe and the Middle East. During this time To guard against economic imperialism, Tafari required that all enterprises in Ethiopia have at least partial local ownership. Throughout his travels he and his entourage were greeted with enthusiasm and fascination. His entourage also included a pride of lions which some were given as gifts to world leaders.

(Woldemikael in 1924)

In 1928 he was promoted to the title of Negus. Also in 1928 Woldemikael was challenged when Dejazmatch Balcha Safo went to Addis Ababa with a sizeable armed force. Woldemikael then bought off Safo’s army and arranged to have him displaced. In 1930 he changed his name to “Haile Selassie”.

(Selassie in 1930)

Also in 1930 he was promoted to the title of emperor. Selassie then defeated a force that tried to take over Addis Ababa. In 1931 he introduced Ethiopia's 1st written constitution. In 1934 Italy tried to invade Ethiopia. In 1935 Selassie set up a headquarters so he could help lead the defense of his country from the Italians. The Italians would employ chemical weapons extensively throughout the conflict, even targeting Red Cross field hospitals in violation of the Geneva Conventions.

(Selassie in 1935)

In 1936 he launched a counteroffensive against the Italians. His army was defeated and retreated in disarray. Selassie and his family had to be exiled Jerusalem. Italy then declared Ethiopia an Italian provence. Selassie’s speech to the League of Nations about Italy’s war crimes made the emperor an icon for anti fascists around the world. The League agreed to only partial and ineffective sanctions on Italy. Selassie spent his exile in England. In 1937 Selassie was involved in a traffic accident, leaving him with a fractured knee.

(Selassie in 1937)

In 1941 with the help of South African and British troops, Selassie returned to Ethiopia to take it from Italian control. Selassie then took back control of the country. In 1942 Selassie abolished the legal basis of slavery throughout the empire.

(Selassie in 1942)

In 1947 he sent aid to the British government when Britain was affected by heavy flooding. In 1951 he reduced the flat tax of Ethiopia. In 1954 the emperor spoke of Ethiopian participation in the Korean War as a redemption of the principles of collective security. In 1955 Selassie introduced a revised constitution.

(Selassie in 1955)

In 1960 Selassie contributed Ethiopian troops to the United Nations Operation in the Congo peacekeeping force during the Congo crisis. Also in 1960 there was an unsuccessful coup to try to dispose Selassie. The coup spurred Selassie to accelerate reform. In 1962 Selassie declared Eritrea the fourteenth province of Ethiopia. Eritrea then started a war for their independence.

(Selassie in 1962)

In 1963 Selassie presided over the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Selassie was elected as the OAU's first official chairperson. Also in 1963 Selassie attended President Kennedy’s funeral. In 1964 Selassie would initiate the concept of the United States of Africa, a proposition later taken up by Muammar Gaddafi.

(Selassie (Right) with Jomo Kenyatta (Left))

In 1966 Selassie attempted to create a modern, progressive tax that included registration of land, which would significantly weaken the nobility. This law led to a revolt in Gojjam. In 1967 he visited Montreal, Canada to open the Ethiopian Pavilion at the Expo '67 World's Fair. In 1970 he visited Italy.

(Selassie in 1970)

In 1971 he visited China and met Chairman Mao. In 1972 famine killed 40,000 Ethiopians. Reports show that Selassie was unaware of the extent of the famine. In 1973 there was an oil crisis in Ethiopia. In 1974 4 days of serious riots in Addis Ababa against a sudden economic inflation left five dead. Selassie was then deposed from power and imprisoned.

(Selassie in 1974)

On August 27th, 1975 Emperor Haile Selassie died of respiratory failure in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He was 83 years old.

(Selassie’s funeral)

Today is his 125th birthday and we would all like to say happy birthday and rest in peace Emperor Haile Selassie.

Videos of Emperor Haile Selassie

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94V5EFu4uHo  “Emperor Haile Selassie's I interesting footage”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDI12q-TtHw  “Haile Selassie's Second State Visit to the United States, October 1963”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh5g583c10g  “HIM HAILE SELASSIE VISIT TO JAMAICA”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCm-0H6MrKE  “HIM Haileselassie at League of nations”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyX2kXeFUlo  “Stock Footage - 1936 NEWS: EMPEROR HAILE SELASSIE OF ETHIOPIA ADDRESSES LEAGUE OF NATIONS”

Anniversary of Emperor Menelik II's Death

“Enemies have now come upon us to ruin our country and to change our religion. Our enemies have begun the affair by advancing and digging into the country like moles. With the help of God I will not deliver my country to them. Today, you who are strong, give me your strength, and you who are weak, help me by prayer” - Emperor Menelik II

(Emperor Menelik II)

Emperor Menelik II was born as Abeto Menelik on August 17th, 1844 in Shewa, Ethiopia. In 1855 he was named successor to the throne of Shewa. Menelik declared himself Negus. Since he did not take part in the 1868 expedition to Abyssinia his rival was able to benefit with gifts of modern weapons and supplies from the British. In 1878 his rival took control of Menelik’s land but gave him gifts such as cannons, rifles and ammunition.

(Menelik II in 1878)

In 1883 he got married to Taytu Betul. In 1888 the great famine started. In 1889 after his rival died in battle Menelik became ruler again. He was then crowned “Nəgusä Nägäst”. Also in the same year he signed a treaty with the Italians. Since there was 2 versions of the treaty the Italian version gave the Italians more power in the treaty. Menelik then rejected the treaty once he found out about it. The Italians the invaded Ethiopia. Eritrea sided with Ethiopia when Italy attacked.

(A Drawing of Menelik II in 1889)

In 1893 he made an alliance with Russia. In 1894 he authorize the making of a railroad in the country. In 1896 the Ethiopians defeated the Italians at the battle of Adwa. He then signed another treaty with Italy so that Italy would recognize Ethiopia as an independent nation.

(A Painting of Menelik II in 1896)

In 1895 Menelik was suppressing the slave trade. In 1898 Menelik crushed a rebellion within the country.

(Menelik II in 1898)

He also brought together many rival areas to coexist with each other. He also established the 1st modern hospital, modern bank and modern postal system in Ethiopia. In 1909 Menelik suffered a stroke which made him unable to lead Ethiopia making his wife in charge of the country.

(Menelik II in 1909)

On December 12th, 1913 Emperor Menelik II died due to failing health in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He was 69 years old.

(A Statue of Menelik II)

Today is the 103rd anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great emperor today.  

(P.S. sorry for the late post)      

Anniversary of Jean Jaques Dessalines' Death

“We have dared to be free. Let us dare to be so by ourselves and for ourselves” - Jean Jacques Dessalines

(Jean Jacques Dessalines)

Jean Jacques Dessalines was born as Jean Jacques Duclos on September 20th, 1758 in Grande Riviere du Nord, Haiti. He was born as a slave. He rose to the rank of foreman in the sugarcane fields. When he was 30 years old he was bought by a free Black man and had his last name changed to “Dessalines”. In 1791 he was freed due to the slave uprising. He then joined the slave rebellion of the northern plains led by Jean François Papillon and Georges Biassou. He then became a lieutenant of the revolution. He then joined Spain's military forces against the French colony of Saint Domingue. He then met Toussaint Louverture. In 1794 he became chief lieutenant of Louverture.

(A portrait of Dessalines)

In 1799 he became brigadier general. During the Haitian Revolution Dessalines ordered the killing of all royalists in Saint Domingue to ensure that Haiti would become a nation. In 1801 Dessalines quickly ended an insurrection in the north led by Louverture's own nephew, General Moyse. He gained a reputation of taking no prisoners. When the French tried to retake Haiti in 1802 Dessalines and Louverture defeated them in the battle of Crete a Pierrot. After Louverture was captured Dessalines became the leader of the revolution.

(A portrait of Dessalines)

In 1804 he declared himself Governor of Haiti for life and declared the independence of Haiti. He then claimed himself as Emperor of Haiti. He then ordered the massacre of all Whites in the country and forbade Whites to have land in Haiti. The Haitian army followed the Whites into the Dominican Republic and occupied the country. In 1805 he released the Imperial constitution.

(A portrait of Dessalines)

He demanded that all Black men be either soldiers or laborers. He believed in strict regulation of foreign trade. On October 17th, 1806 Jean Jacques Dessalines was assassinated in Port Rouge, Haiti. He was 48 years old.

(A statue of Dessalines)

Today is the 210th anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great emperor today.

Happy Birthday Jean Jacques Dessalines

“We have dared to be free. Let us dare to be so by ourselves and for ourselves” - Jean Jacques Dessalines

(Jean Jacques Dessalines)

Jean Jacques Dessalines was born as Jean Jacques Duclos on September 20th, 1758 in Grande Riviere du Nord, Haiti. He was born as a slave. He rose to the rank of foreman in the sugarcane fields. When he was 30 years old he was bought by a free Black man and had his last name changed to “Dessalines”. In 1791 he was freed due to the slave uprising. He then joined the slave rebellion of the northern plains led by Jean François Papillon and Georges Biassou. He then became a lieutenant of the revolution. He then joined Spain's military forces against the French colony of Saint Domingue. He then met Toussaint Louverture. In 1794 he became chief lieutenant of Louverture.

(A portrait of Dessalines)

In 1799 he became brigadier general. During the Haitian Revolution Dessalines ordered the killing of all royalists in Saint Domingue to ensure that Haiti would become a nation. In 1801 Dessalines quickly ended an insurrection in the north led by Louverture's own nephew, General Moyse. He gained a reputation of taking no prisoners. When the French tried to retake Haiti in 1802 Dessalines and Louverture defeated them in the battle of Crete a Pierrot. After Louverture was captured Dessalines became the leader of the revolution.

(A portrait of Dessalines)

In 1804 he declared himself Governor of Haiti for life and declared the independence of Haiti. He then claimed himself as Emperor of Haiti. He then ordered the massacre of all Whites in the country and forbade Whites to have land in Haiti. The Haitian army followed the Whites into the Dominican Republic and occupied the country. In 1805 he released the Imperial constitution.

(A portrait of Dessalines)

He demanded that all Black men be either soldiers or laborers. He believed in strict regulation of foreign trade. On October 17th, 1806 Jean Jacques Dessalines was assassinated in Port Rouge, Haiti. He was 48 years old.

(A statue of Dessalines)

Today is his 258th birthday and we would all like to say happy birthday and rest in peace Jean Jacques Dessalines.