Haile Selassie I

Ethiopian Emperor who modernized Africa and championed anti-colonialism

Haile Selassie I (1892-1975), Ethiopia's last emperor, profoundly impacted Africa's political landscape through his leadership during pivotal 20th-century events. As a visionary leader, he modernized Ethiopia's infrastructure, established schools and hospitals, and abolished slavery in 1942. His 1936 speech to the League of Nations against Italian fascism remains iconic, marking one of the first global anti-colonial statements. Selassie's role in founding the Organization of African Unity (now AU) in 1963 solidified his legacy as a unifier. Beyond politics, his Rastafarian religious significance introduced Ethiopian culture globally. Read more on his Wikipedia page or explore his UN speeches.