“Haile Selassie I (23 July 1892 – 27 August 1975), born Tafari Makonnen, was Ethiopia's regent from 1916 to 1930 and Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. The heir to a dynasty that traced its origins to the 13th century, and from there by tradition back to King Solomon and Queen Makeda, Empress of Axum, known in the Abrahamic tradition as the Queen of Sheba. Haile Selassie is a defining figure in both Ethiopian and African history.

At the League of Nations in 1936, the Emperor condemned the use of chemical weapons by Italy against his people. His internationalist views led to Ethiopia becoming a charter member of the United Nations, and his political thought and experience in promoting multilateralism and collective security have proved seminal and enduring. His suppression of rebellions among the nobles (mekwannint), as well as what some perceived to be Ethiopia's failure to modernize adequately, earned him criticism among some contemporaries and historians.

Haile Selassie is revered as the returned Messiah of the Bible, God incarnate, among the Rastafari movement, the number of followers of which is estimated between 200,000 and 800,000. Begun in Jamaica in the 1930s, the Rastafari movement perceives Haile Selassie as a messianic figure who will lead a future golden age of eternal peace, righteousness, and prosperity. He himself remained an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian throughout his life”. – Wikipedia

Prince Ras Tafari Makonnen of Abyssinia, later Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). Circa 1915

Negusa Negasti, Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie I in ceremonial uniform. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). Circa 1930

Prince Ras Tafari shortly before he was made Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images). 1930

Negusa Negasti, Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie I, known as “Lord of Lords”, “The Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah”, “Light of the world”, “Elect of God”, in full ceremonial regalia following his coronation. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie I seated in state in Addis Ababa with his courtiers in elaborate national dress. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Negusa Negasti, Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie I sitting in full imperial robes on an open air throne with his wife Menen beside him after the coronation ceremonies. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). 30th November 1930

His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930, previously Prince Ras Tafari Makonnen. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). Circa 1935