Affectionately known as the “Father of Africa,”
Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I was an iconic leader who found himself at the
center of some of the 20th century’s most memorable events. The man that
Time Magazine touted as its “Man of
the Year” in 1936 was a prominent figure during World War 2, and was very
influential in the African struggle for independence from European colonial
powers in the decades that followed.
However, it often seems that Selassie’s life is
most studied within the context of the Rastafarian faith. Just when it appeared
that the emperor’s legacy and cultural relevance had been examined from every
possible angle, author Omar TobiJah presents the second edition of his first
book, Seventy Years Accomplished. The text filters much of Selassie’s
stately wisdom through contemporary social issues and modern events impacting
on people’s lives today. TobiJah recently spoke to Mind Glow Media about his new project.
What
compelled you to write Seventy Years Accomplished?
There is a demand for truth and rights that each
generation must fight for and be held accountable for. During the 20th
Century various liberation movements sprang up around the globe and as a result
of their success the world is safer and more humane for us to enjoy.
At the head of the fight against colonialism and
oppression was Emperor Haile Selassie the First of Ethiopia who safeguarded the
independence of the last remaining indigenous country on earth and then spearheaded
the push to free all those who were being exploited by the imperialists. The
fact that most of the people who profited from his good works do not
acknowledge his contributions is a problem to me. I therefore thought it
appropriate to write a book which explains his government and policies so that
those who are seeking the truth can find it.
His Majesty said, “These young people face a world beset with
the most effectively organized program of deceptive propaganda and of thinly
screened operations ever known; they deserve the best that can be taught by
their parents, by religious institutions and by the University, to prepare them
for a wise choice
among
contending ideals.”
There are those whose power and
hegemony is threatened by the reign of Haile Selassie the First. They seek to
deny his divinity so that they can continue to exploit the population. We who seek for justice to prevail must also
be vigilant in combating their deceit so that our generation may live up to its
responsibility to humanity in making the world a better place. I would hope
that my book is a small contribution towards this effort.
There are
many books that explore the legacy that Emperor Haile Selassie has left behind.
What makes your book uniquely different?
My book, Seventy Years Accomplished, offers an
explanation on the Emperor which satisfies the inquiries of scholars and the
faithful. The first thought that springs to mind whenever the name Haile
Selassie I is mentioned is the Rastafari movement.
As a result, the literature on His Majesty is
categorized into competing ideals between those who proclaim his divinity and
those who deny him. I analyzed both positions objectively and decided that we
should not be divided into hostile camps because there are valid points being
made on each side.
But most people will not consider another
person’s point of view because they feel threatened by this knowledge which
indicates a false belief on their part that they are unwilling to correct.
Under such circumstances there will never be any progress and we would have
failed in our responsibility to advance the generation.
The various religions and cultures have much
more in common than they have differences, but we have become polarized into
competing factions that would work much better if we cooperated and learned
from each other. The devious schemes of divide and rule have worked well in the
past to subjugate nations, but now is the time to learn from history so that we
do not continue to make the same mistakes.
What was
the greatest challenge that you faced in writing your book?
The greatest challenge that anyone will
encounter is the battle for their soul. In taking on the grand ideal of
correcting the church and state, it is essential to first correct yourself
because a messenger who thinks they are separate from their message is not
worthy to deliver their edicts. I had to meditate upon these matters very
seriously because I did not want to make the same errors of previous
institutions that compromised the gospel to suite their lifestyle.
The doctrine is supposed to be greater than you
because we are seeking the higher power. If God had the same ways of man then
there would be no reason to follow him. This quest to better yourself is a
lifelong mission and as long as we are making strides in the right direction
then we are doing what we have to do because change occurs a little bit at a
time. God does not call the qualified. He qualifies those who are called. By
understanding these tenants I was able to overcome my insecurities of writing
the book and follow that inner voice inside of me that commanded me to complete
this publication.
Historically,
reggae music played an instrumental role in spreading the teachings of
Rastafari. In this time, do you think that art, specifically music, should be
used to galvanize the believers in their faith? If so, how should the music be
approached?
It was Mortimer Planno’s idea that reggae should
be used as the chief medium to spread the message of Rastafari. As a result it
is common to think of the followers of Haile Selassie to be musicians who smoke
marijuana and grow dreadlocks. In this regard the people are following Bob
Marley and not the Emperor because His Majesty did not live or decree this type
of lifestyle.
If the music and culture continues to take away
from the prime objective of emulating Haile Selassie I then these customs must
either be corrected or discarded. It is more important and impactful to seek to
affect policy and gain political power than it is to smoke weed and sing songs.
Music can be used to spread the message but it would be better if we were
focused upon living according to the pattern that Emperor Haile Selassie I
characterized.
When you
look at the current state of the world, what do you have the least amount of
faith in at this time?
It is very daunting to analyze the present
global crisis with wars on the horizon and a weak economy. I also find it
disheartening that so many people are ignorant of the policies and achievements
of Haile Selassie I when he offered concrete solutions on how to avoid these
dilemmas. Just as with the crisis at the League of Nations, the reason why the
world is in such disarray is because they have neglected His Majesty. It is
essential that we learn from the mistakes of the past so that we do not repeat
them.
How do you
get beyond this to see the brighter side of things?
I am confident in the victory of good over evil
because the wisdom in truth is stronger than the deceit of a lie. Those whose
power and hegemony is threatened by the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie I want
to erase his legacy and downplay his impact in the world. But it becomes quite
obvious to anyone who takes the time to research these events that His Majesty
was a tremendously important and wise leader.
The plot to whitewash his name out of the
history books has been concocted with sinister intentions of preventing the
people from advancing and accepting their salvation but this plot shall fail
for all the obvious reasons. It is written in the prophecy that Satan shall be
defeated and as this generation looks for its sign in the last days the true
portent comes from the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who has revealed his
face to all the nations and given us full assurance that those who work in
accordance with his government and mission shall not fail.
Our faith has therefore taken on a greater
meaning for that which we hope for has been confirmed and we know that the
entire book shall be fulfilled and the wicked overthrown. We give thanks to
Emperor Haile Selassie the First of Ethiopia for this revelation.
.jpg)
Posts
