Haile Selassie I

The Ethiopian emperor who modernized his nation and became a global symbol of African sovereignty and Rastafarian messianism.

Haile Selassie I (1892–1975), Ethiopia's last emperor, transformed his nation into a modern state while resisting colonialism. His 1936 exile during Italy’s invasion turned him into an international icon of anti-fascism, culminating in his 1936 League of Nations speech, which exposed Western apathy toward Africa.

Post-WWII, Selassie industrialized Ethiopia, abolished slavery, and co-founded the Organization of African Unity (OAU). His 1954 revised constitution introduced limited democracy, though critics argue he maintained autocratic control. Paradoxically, Rastafarians revered him as a divine figure, amplifying his influence in Caribbean culture through reggae music.

His 1974 overthrow ended a 44-year reign but cemented his legacy as a Pan-African visionary. Despite controversies, Selassie’s defiance against colonialism and advocacy for African unity reshaped postcolonial geopolitics.