BEYOND THE NAME – PUBLIC EDUCATION SERIES – EPISODE 12
HAILE SELASSIE I – THE LEGACY BEHIND THE NAME
- WHO WAS HAILE SELASSIE I?
Haile Selassie I was Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974 and an important African statesman. He became a prominent figure in Africa’s international affairs and Ethiopia’s defence of its sovereignty. - HIS STAND FOR AFRICA
Following Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia in 1935, Haile Selassie appealed to the international community and defended Ethiopia’s independence. His experience became part of Africa’s wider resistance to colonial domination. - HIS PAN-AFRICAN CONTRIBUTION
Haile Selassie played an important role in promoting African unity. Ethiopia hosted the founding conference of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in Addis Ababa in 1963, bringing independent African states together around cooperation, sovereignty and continental unity. - THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NAME TO NBM OF AFRICA
The name resonates with African unity, dignity, sovereignty and Pan-African cooperation—values that connect with NBM of Africa’s commitment to social justice, equality, equity and service to humanity. His legacy highlights the importance of African cooperation and shared responsibility.