to Ras Makonnen and Wayzaro Yashimabet of the Ethiopian province of Harar.
His father was a mighty ambassador and cousin of the Ethiopian Emperor
Menelik II. The child was named Tafari Makonnen and his birth was the
fulfillment of the prophecy being a direct descendant of the ancient line
of David and Solomon and Queen Makeda of Ethiopia.
From his earliest days as a youth, the young Tafari showed and displayed
knowledge far beyond his tender years. All who came in contact with
him marvelled at his excellence in judgment. His knowledge and insight
was such that from an early age he was instrumental in the shaping of
Ethiopia's destiny bringing this ancient kingdom to embrace the modern
world that had now emerged around her.
Active as governor of his own city of Harar when he was only 19, the
young Tafari continued to rise and in 1916 was subsequently made Crown
Prince and heir to the Throne of Ethiopia with Empress Zauditu, Menelik's
daughter as head of state.
At
the age of 38 Ras Tafari ascended the throne of Ethiopia becoming Emperor
Haile Selassie I, meaning Power of the Holy Trinity, and the 225 Emperor
of Ethiopia directly from the Solomonic Line of Kings. He also received
the title of King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe
of Judah, Defender of the Faith and Light of the World.
His Imperial Majesty is the victor over Italian Fascism in 1941 and
his works in championing the cause of African Brotherhood has made him
the father figure of African UNITY. His Imperial Majesty is internationally
acclaimed as one of the world greatest statesman of the twentieth century
and his works for the integrity of mankind, equal rights and justice
is unparalleled.
He alone is the uniting force for the millions of Africans taken away
into slavery and scattered in the four corners of the earth and from
the time of His Coronation, He was observed to be the returned Messiah
by those who now bear his name RASTAFARI.
I'n'I of the Rastafari faith observe Emperor Haile Selassie I in his
full glory as the Almighty on earth in the flesh of Man.
(from "Year of the Creator" 1992 Centenary of His Majesty)