JAH RASTAFARI
An Introduction by Ras Devon
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"All praises to His Imperial Majesty Emperor
Haile Selassie I. To the people of Ethiopia His Majesty has been
its greatest leader, the defender of His people. Acceding to the Ethiopian
throne on 2nd November 1930, He brought forward a policy intended to
thrust Ethiopia into the modern world. Primarily, He gave Ethiopia its
first constitution (the only Monarch ever to have done so), against
the wishes of the clergy and the aristocracy. The drive for educational, socio-economic, political
and cultural progress that has been embraced for the development of
His nation. Emperor Haile Selassie I also had a policy of
bringing education to villages and inaccessible areas of Ethiopia. He
established schools in these areas, so that students could limit the
distance they travelled daily. It was also made easier for families
who did not believe or trust education, to gradually accomodate the
changing situation. This policy brought students from different parts
of the country, and different social background into colleges and unversities
of Ethiopia. References show His philosophy on education. "The moulding of the young minds of future generations will
depend upon these teachers, for theirs is a great responsibility; and
we would like to remind them that they should take to heart this obligation
and act accordingly. Education is a means of sharpening the mind of
man both spiritually and intellectually. It is a two edged sword that
can be used either for the progress of mankind or for its destruction.
That is why it has been Our constant desire and endeavour to develop
our education for the benefit of mankind." "You have still far to go. Along the tortuous paths that now lie ahead, you will be exposed to the rigorous teachings of life itself. There you will find no reference books, no study guides. There, there is no going back. The lessons of life, if once they are missed, are missed forever." The development of the community is fundamental to His Majesty's vision
of social improvement and growth. Not only will this enhance cultural
and political progress, but it is also the bedrock for economic progress,
collective action and self-helpinitiative between the people and its
leadership. In the section on Community Development, the effort that
is needed by everyone can be clearly seen : "In the world of today, community development is universally recognised as a process designed to create conditions of economic and social progress for the whole community with active participation and largely upon the initiative of the community." Every year after the coronation anniversary, the Emperor gives what is called a Throne Speech. These speeches cover a wide area, giving an insight into issues from a historical, contemporary and even a futuristic perspective. In his 1965 Throne Speech, His Majesty covers a number of topic areas. The quotes below are taken from the section sub-titled Capacity to Achieve and World Conflict. "There is neither shame nor disgrace in a day's work well and truly done, whatever the task and whatever the rank or status of the worker. The farmer and the labourer who have toiled diligently throughout the day have earned their bread and honest sleep. But the man, whatever his rank, who has spent his time in idleness, whose hand has been turned to little of profit or value during his working hours has earned only the scorn and disdain of his fellowmen whom he has cheated." "If we have spoken to you today of matters which may seem of no direct or immediate concern to Ethiopia, if we have dwelt on what has occurred in other parts of the world, it is that you may realise that Ethiopia today does not and cannot exist alone. Do not fall into the narrowness which looks only to the borders of your nation ; Ethiopia is today in and of the world, and we must move ahead in concert with all mankind." An exceptional leadership role was exhibited by His masterly defence of the African Continent. When He came to power, three countries were independent in Africa, by 1970 only a handful still remained under foreign control. His Imperial Majesty always showed concern for the under-developed nations in general and peoples of the African Continent in particular. He was always at the forefront with His counsel and dedication to the pervasive African cause, which was the total liberation of the whole continent. The following quote is also from the Throne Speech : "We have just returned from the Accra meeting of the Heads of African states and Governments, where fresh evidence was adduced that the spirit of Africa grows steadily more powerful and all-pervasive, and that Africans shall continue to march together, in unity and oneness, into the promise of the future." In 1963 His Imperial Majesty saw to it that differences were put aside among the African States and the Charter for the Organisation of African Unity was signed. By His 80th Birthday in 1972, the 41 member States of the O.A.U. agreed to join together in celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Emperor's birth as a token of their recognition of His leadership. On acceding to the throne in 1930, His Imperial Majesty also became a beacon to Africans over the world. In the small island of Jamaica, through the efforts of Leonard P. Howell, His Majesty's works were amplified. As such a small group of believers and followers emerged. They were soon to become known as Rastafari. The Rastafari acknowledged His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I as the returned Messiah, the living God (Jah). Today millions of these adherents are all over the world, amplifying the works of Jah Rastafari (God the Father). This concluding quote is taken from the section on Modern Ethiopianism : "Contrary to certain notions that the preservation of world peace is the exclusive preserve of the great powers, the question of peace or war, because it involves the survival of humanity, is one that is intimately and vitally connected with all the peoples of the world. All the peoples of the world, therefore, should make greater efforts to enable those powers that are more immidiately concerned with the maintenance of peace to arrive at some plan that will guarantee harmony as the basis for preserving world peace." These utterances are meant to give the reader an insight into the personage of H.I.M. Haile Selassie I. It should also be noted that the contents of these utterances, are as relevant today as they ever were. Any group of people can find inspiration from these words. Hopefully they will help to undermine the ignorance that has been exhibited by many further-more they will strengthen the zeal and will of those who have never questioned the worth and the greatness of the defender of the African Peoples of the world." Respect and Give Thanks to Ras Devon
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