May 25th 2014 : National Museum in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia – Co-ordinated by Dr Desta Maghoo, this important exhibition strengthened the links between Jamaica and Ethiopia and sent out a powerful message of the global importance of the Ras Tafari movement.
The date is also important as it is exactly 51 years since the inauguration of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) which is now known as the African Union (AU). This organisation was born out of a vision of a free unified Africa by various leaders of the African countries that were free at that time. It was instigated and headed by Earth’s Rightful Ruler the King of Kings Emperor Qedamawi Haile Selassie of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia had already lead the way by twice repelling the Italian would be colonizers, first at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, and then on May 5th 1941 when His Imperial Majesty entered Addis Abeba in triumph after five years of exile.
It is fitting therefore that May 25th day saw the launch of a month long exhibition at the National Museum to celebration the vision of I&I the children of H.I.M. Haile Selassie and Empress Menen.
Entitled “Ras Tafari – the Majesty and the Movement” and curated by Dr Desta Maghoo, the exhibition featured contributions from Ras Tafari worldwide displayed alongside various artifacts that have traditionally been displayed in the main part of the museum.
The exhibition was housed in the building to the right of the main museum building. the last time I visited in 2008 a cannon from the Battle of Adowa was displayed outside. This has been replaced by a car that I believe belonged to the Emperor Menelik.
We weren’t allowed to take photos of the exhibition so all I have are memories. Vivid amongst these are the artworks of Ras Daniel Hartman (of Rasta Baby fame) who is now resting in peace with the Father, and the other various artworks and pictures of His Imperial Majesty plus contributions from the UK, Mexican & Ethiopian families.
It was an honour to meets ones I have never met before and to link up with ones I have. See photo link at the foot of the page.
Some of the delegates were forwarding to Shashemane that afternoon where the Lily of the Valley Hotel was scheduled to host a satellite exhibition.
Sending maximum raspects to Dr Desta Maghoo.
Among other notables present were (in no particular order) Dr Maghoo, Shango Baku, Ras Cos, Stella Headley, Wun Zooyah QueenmotherMoses Yussif , Ras Dlo Levi, Dr Robbie Shilliam, Dr. Jalani Niaah, Kesh Kassaye, Hon. Prophet Jerome Chenevert and many more whose names I forget or never knew. Jah bless you all.
From Dr Desta’s facebook page an update:
“Give thanks to Jah RasTafari for His divine mercy, strength and guidance to fulfill RAS TAFARI The Majesty and the Movement exhibit with over 11,000 recorded visitors from over 15 countries, 6 Ethiopian regions, 10 African countries…ages 2 to 88 years old…students, teachers, painters, poets, taxi drivers, professors, ambassadors, government representatives, historians, Scientists, international organizations, federal police and soldiers, journalists, Orthodox, Muslims, Hindu, and many more from all walks of life. Give thanks to all the Ingels who contributed including the Shashamane community, UK and Mexico committees and UWI symposium team. Also love and thanksgiving to the participants from all mansions who travelled over land and sea to contribute. May Jah continue to bless INI. Stay chune for more follow up info… “
Pictures by Sista Mary Ites and Princess Natty, 2014
