Claudette Colvin, the lady who was overlooked for doing what Rosa Parks did.
http://www.biography.com/people/claudette-colvin-11378
http://www.biography.com/people/claudette-colvin-11378
It's Black History Month in HL brehs....
- Thread starter 2Quik4UHoes
- Start date
fukked up part is all that stuntin had Europeans and Arabs thirsty to get to that West African gold which evolved into the slave trade.
Aside from that Mansa Musa was a goddamn boss.
Black smoke and cac jokes
Your daps are mine
fukked up part is all that stuntin had Europeans and Arabs thirsty to get to that West African gold which evolved into the slave trade.
Aside from that Mansa Musa was a goddamn boss.
Yea, an inadvertent consequence of his traveling but he made a lot of poor africans' lives
though
Yea, an inadvertent consequence of his traveling but he made a lot of poor africans' lives
That he did, gave them villagers a literal golden shower. Makin it rain karats n shyt.
white folks can be looked at like open minded or culture stealers. and other cultures can be looked at close minded or mind their own culture.That shyt fukks me up every time, especially knowing how close minded black people can be at times. I be forgettin them cacs love to take in different cultures, they real open to new shyt. When I was in Ethiopia last year I'd run into random white people with they big ass hiking backpacks solo dolo lookin around at the squalor like
shyt is always bizarre, but then you realize they're the minority.
That's why I don't like em fukkin with Ethiopia. We got a long history of not goin for that shyt, they stole enough of our shyt.
Figured since we did India yesterday we can do some more Afro-Asian diasporas.
Thought I'd do a brief history lesson on some royal figures of Ethiopia using pics. This is an edited version from TLR.
Emperor Tewodros II
His childhood name was Kassa Hailu, he came up during a period of Ethiopian history known as the "Age of Princes" where the power and prestige of the Emperor was eclipsed by the power and influence of various warlords and princes. Each tribe and region had someone they wanted in charge, so the Negus basically became a puppet for whoever had the best army and weapons in order to gain influence over rival kingdoms. Kassa Hailu began his career a "shifta" which is an Ethiopian term for "outlaw" in more contemporary terms it could range from thugs and bandits to rebels and revolutionaries, so these "shiftas" travelled and raided other kingdoms and tribes. Before long, this band of outlaws became an army and from there Kassa consolidated power and outgunned the warlords reigning in control from the rebellious kingdoms of the fractured Ethiopian Empire. In order to keep rebellious Shewans in line he took the prince of their kingdom Sahle Maryam prisoner. Sahle would grow up to become the future Menelik II.
And so Kassa Hailu was finally crowned Emperor Tewodros II and this marked a turning point between the end of the Age of Princes and the beginning of modern Ethiopia. Despite his crowning, many saw Tewodros as a royal surpur although he claimed nobility through his mother. The Emperor believed in advancement, but he was much too busy quelling rebellions in the still fragile empire. Sahle Maryam escaped back to Shewa after one too many offenses towards his noble house and kingdom on the part of Tewodros. After the death of his beloved wife, Tewodros became increasingly brutal. After a British captain failed to secure him help against the Muslims threats to the north he took the Europeans in the kingdom who so happened to also be Brits as prisoner to gain his fellow Monarchs attention. By now, he lost favor with the church whose lands he confiscated, the peasants who he was increasingly brutal towards, and ambitious princes eagerly awaited his downfall. His army was soundly defeated by the Brits and the common shiftas he raised into an army all but deserted him, so the Emperor freed the hostages and sent them to the Brits. The Brits respond by saying they'll treat him and his fam with dignity, this made the Emperor paranoid and suspicious of the whites so he angrily responded he would never surrender. So his fortress stronghold at Maqalla was shelled, his remaining troops perished in great numbers, rather than surrender the Emperor drew the pistol that brought him fame as a shifta and committed suicide on Easter Monday. (Below are pics of him, his captives, and the tragically ironic Ras Alemayhu his son who ended up living in Europe after his father's death, although he was taken care of financially by Queen Victoria, the Ras died lonely and miserable at 19 never seeing his home again. The last pic is a European descendant of Tewodros with very royal blood that was a British actor.)
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Emperor Tekle Giyorgis II of Wag
After the fall of Emperor Tewodros II, 3 powerful princes (and many different tribes behind them) remained from the long time struggle that was the "Age of Princes". One was Kassi Mercha of Tigray, another was Sahle Maryam of Shewa, and the third was Wagshum Gobeze of Wag. Through his mother he had ties to the Solomonic dynasty, but more interestingly though through his father he had ties to the more enigmatic medieval Zagwe dynasty and the great rulers of Lasta. When the mysterious Jewish Queen Judith (or "Gudit", which means "trouble") destroyed the remnants of the Axumite Empire, she and her relatives ruled over its ruins in what became the Ethiopian dark ages for 40 years. The children and relatives of the Solomonic dynasty at Axum went south and vanished, the upstart Zagwe dynasty under Mara Tekla Haiymanot overthrew Gudit's relatives and ended the dark age. However he and his successors had difficulty claiming legitimacy since they were not of the Solomonic line and were not Abyssinians. Zagwe was a Ge'ez name for the Agaw tribe who are the original inhabitants of the Ethiopian highlands, it also grew connotations with "the unknown". Agaws were also close with Beta Israel a.k.a. Ethiopian Jews whom were marginalized by Axum and later Solomonic lines due to their faith and rebelliousness. This dynasty included King Lalibela who built the famous rock hewn churches in the town that bears his name. The nearly 400 year reign ended with the return of a descendant of Dil Na'od the last King of Axum named Yekuno Amlak. He and his army restored the Solomonic line and sent the Zagweans back into obscurity. So this Zagwean comeback began with Wagshum's leading the rebellion of Lasta 6 years after the execution of his father by Tewodros II.
In the Emperors final months, Wagshum began marching his shiftas to Tewodros' stronghold the fortress of Maqalla. While on a detour to eliminate a rebellious rival, the Emperor died, Wagshum proclaimed himself Emperor Tekle Giyorgis II at Soqota in Wag. However with no bishop to crown him, his legitimacy was doomed. To close the gap he showed favor to the church and reversed decisions made by Tewodros before him. After diplomatic olive branches to his rivals didn't work, he arranged to have his half brother marry the first cousin of King Menelik II. Tekle Giyorgis himself was already married to the sister of his Tigrean rival Kassai Mercha so he should of had an easy way up. None of this worked, so while Mercha re-gained access to the sea and British support to train/arm his troops, Menelik built up slowly while he let his rivals destroy each other. When Mercha was acquired a bishop, Tekle Giyorgis decided to attack with no support and against his wife's advice. It was a rout, as he lead a charge he was wounded, blinded, and taken prisoner. Tekle Giyorgis, his brother, and mother were imprisoned in a monastery in Adwa. His wife went on to live comfortably in later royal courts.
Emperor Yohannes(John) IV of Tigray (Pics:His son Ras Araya Selassie in the first pic, his nephew and heir Ras Mengesha in the last pic.)
A powerful warrior with a tremendous army that at it's height waged wars against Sudan and Egypt, he came from the Tigrayan line of the Solomonic dynasty. When the British came for Tewodros, Kassai Mercha with his powerful band of shiftas turned militia gave the Brits easy passage to the increasingly paranoid Emperor. Not only did he regain the coast from Ottoman control in what is now Eritrea, but he received a handsome reward of weapons and money while the Brits took out his obstacle Tewodros. The British looted artifacts, ancient texts, and Tewodros' belongings, some stayed behind to train Kassai's men. Kassai Mercha used some of the new funds and quickly sent for a new bishop in Alexandria and got one, and after imprisoning his rival/brother in law, he was crowned Emperor Yohannes IV at Axum. Yohannes' reign would be remembered for his many battles against outside forces.
When Egypt plotted to take control of the Nile basin(as usual
), Yohannes would have none of it. When Egypt invaded and took the city state of Harar both Yohannes and Menelik were infuriated. After no intervention from European "allies", Yohannes mobilized his army and beat the shyt out of the Egyptians in two major battles after which Menelik was forced to recognize game and accept Yohannes' legitimacy. Their children were married to strengthen ties between the two houses. When the Mahdists rose up against Egypt, Yohannes' agreed with the British to let the Egyptians retreat through his lands in exchange that his claims on Massawa in modern Eritrea would be recognized. Naturally the Europeans didn't give a shyt about his claims.
Mahdist leader Muhammad Ahmad didn't like Yohannes' meddling and got to beefin, meanwhile Menelik and another king from Gojjam rebelled, and the Italians took the port of Massawa, all at the same damn time. His second in command crushed the first Mahdist attack and was in route to attack the Italians, meanwhile Yohannes' crushed the Gojjam rebellion but before getting to Menelik and Shewa, the Mahdists invaded Gondar and burned many of the old churches and so the Emperor went to confront them. As his army was soundly crushing the Mahdis, Yohannes was mortally wounded. Before death, he reveals that his nephew Ras Mengesha was actually his son and named him heir. Upon hearing the news of his death, his once proud army almost completely fell apart. His second in command and new heir salvaged what little they could of the army. As a loyal few were transferring his body back home they were ambushed by Mahdis, one of his most loyal soldiers fought to the death against them. Yohannes body was taken back to Sudan and beheaded, his head is believed to be in Khartoum somewhere. The confusion in succession split the Tigrayan branch, along with the loss of their ancestral land north of the Mareb river which was to become Eritrea, damaged the prestige of the once proud Tigray line and weakened Tigrayan influence overall for years.
Emperor Tewodros II
His childhood name was Kassa Hailu, he came up during a period of Ethiopian history known as the "Age of Princes" where the power and prestige of the Emperor was eclipsed by the power and influence of various warlords and princes. Each tribe and region had someone they wanted in charge, so the Negus basically became a puppet for whoever had the best army and weapons in order to gain influence over rival kingdoms. Kassa Hailu began his career a "shifta" which is an Ethiopian term for "outlaw" in more contemporary terms it could range from thugs and bandits to rebels and revolutionaries, so these "shiftas" travelled and raided other kingdoms and tribes. Before long, this band of outlaws became an army and from there Kassa consolidated power and outgunned the warlords reigning in control from the rebellious kingdoms of the fractured Ethiopian Empire. In order to keep rebellious Shewans in line he took the prince of their kingdom Sahle Maryam prisoner. Sahle would grow up to become the future Menelik II.
And so Kassa Hailu was finally crowned Emperor Tewodros II and this marked a turning point between the end of the Age of Princes and the beginning of modern Ethiopia. Despite his crowning, many saw Tewodros as a royal surpur although he claimed nobility through his mother. The Emperor believed in advancement, but he was much too busy quelling rebellions in the still fragile empire. Sahle Maryam escaped back to Shewa after one too many offenses towards his noble house and kingdom on the part of Tewodros. After the death of his beloved wife, Tewodros became increasingly brutal. After a British captain failed to secure him help against the Muslims threats to the north he took the Europeans in the kingdom who so happened to also be Brits as prisoner to gain his fellow Monarchs attention. By now, he lost favor with the church whose lands he confiscated, the peasants who he was increasingly brutal towards, and ambitious princes eagerly awaited his downfall. His army was soundly defeated by the Brits and the common shiftas he raised into an army all but deserted him, so the Emperor freed the hostages and sent them to the Brits. The Brits respond by saying they'll treat him and his fam with dignity, this made the Emperor paranoid and suspicious of the whites so he angrily responded he would never surrender. So his fortress stronghold at Maqalla was shelled, his remaining troops perished in great numbers, rather than surrender the Emperor drew the pistol that brought him fame as a shifta and committed suicide on Easter Monday. (Below are pics of him, his captives, and the tragically ironic Ras Alemayhu his son who ended up living in Europe after his father's death, although he was taken care of financially by Queen Victoria, the Ras died lonely and miserable at 19 never seeing his home again. The last pic is a European descendant of Tewodros with very royal blood that was a British actor.)
Emperor Tekle Giyorgis II of Wag
After the fall of Emperor Tewodros II, 3 powerful princes (and many different tribes behind them) remained from the long time struggle that was the "Age of Princes". One was Kassi Mercha of Tigray, another was Sahle Maryam of Shewa, and the third was Wagshum Gobeze of Wag. Through his mother he had ties to the Solomonic dynasty, but more interestingly though through his father he had ties to the more enigmatic medieval Zagwe dynasty and the great rulers of Lasta. When the mysterious Jewish Queen Judith (or "Gudit", which means "trouble") destroyed the remnants of the Axumite Empire, she and her relatives ruled over its ruins in what became the Ethiopian dark ages for 40 years. The children and relatives of the Solomonic dynasty at Axum went south and vanished, the upstart Zagwe dynasty under Mara Tekla Haiymanot overthrew Gudit's relatives and ended the dark age. However he and his successors had difficulty claiming legitimacy since they were not of the Solomonic line and were not Abyssinians. Zagwe was a Ge'ez name for the Agaw tribe who are the original inhabitants of the Ethiopian highlands, it also grew connotations with "the unknown". Agaws were also close with Beta Israel a.k.a. Ethiopian Jews whom were marginalized by Axum and later Solomonic lines due to their faith and rebelliousness. This dynasty included King Lalibela who built the famous rock hewn churches in the town that bears his name. The nearly 400 year reign ended with the return of a descendant of Dil Na'od the last King of Axum named Yekuno Amlak. He and his army restored the Solomonic line and sent the Zagweans back into obscurity. So this Zagwean comeback began with Wagshum's leading the rebellion of Lasta 6 years after the execution of his father by Tewodros II.
In the Emperors final months, Wagshum began marching his shiftas to Tewodros' stronghold the fortress of Maqalla. While on a detour to eliminate a rebellious rival, the Emperor died, Wagshum proclaimed himself Emperor Tekle Giyorgis II at Soqota in Wag. However with no bishop to crown him, his legitimacy was doomed. To close the gap he showed favor to the church and reversed decisions made by Tewodros before him. After diplomatic olive branches to his rivals didn't work, he arranged to have his half brother marry the first cousin of King Menelik II. Tekle Giyorgis himself was already married to the sister of his Tigrean rival Kassai Mercha so he should of had an easy way up. None of this worked, so while Mercha re-gained access to the sea and British support to train/arm his troops, Menelik built up slowly while he let his rivals destroy each other. When Mercha was acquired a bishop, Tekle Giyorgis decided to attack with no support and against his wife's advice. It was a rout, as he lead a charge he was wounded, blinded, and taken prisoner. Tekle Giyorgis, his brother, and mother were imprisoned in a monastery in Adwa. His wife went on to live comfortably in later royal courts.
Couldn't find pics. Musta been real in the field. 
Emperor Yohannes(John) IV of Tigray (Pics:His son Ras Araya Selassie in the first pic, his nephew and heir Ras Mengesha in the last pic.)
A powerful warrior with a tremendous army that at it's height waged wars against Sudan and Egypt, he came from the Tigrayan line of the Solomonic dynasty. When the British came for Tewodros, Kassai Mercha with his powerful band of shiftas turned militia gave the Brits easy passage to the increasingly paranoid Emperor. Not only did he regain the coast from Ottoman control in what is now Eritrea, but he received a handsome reward of weapons and money while the Brits took out his obstacle Tewodros. The British looted artifacts, ancient texts, and Tewodros' belongings, some stayed behind to train Kassai's men. Kassai Mercha used some of the new funds and quickly sent for a new bishop in Alexandria and got one, and after imprisoning his rival/brother in law, he was crowned Emperor Yohannes IV at Axum. Yohannes' reign would be remembered for his many battles against outside forces.
When Egypt plotted to take control of the Nile basin(as usual
), Yohannes would have none of it. When Egypt invaded and took the city state of Harar both Yohannes and Menelik were infuriated. After no intervention from European "allies", Yohannes mobilized his army and beat the shyt out of the Egyptians in two major battles after which Menelik was forced to recognize game and accept Yohannes' legitimacy. Their children were married to strengthen ties between the two houses. When the Mahdists rose up against Egypt, Yohannes' agreed with the British to let the Egyptians retreat through his lands in exchange that his claims on Massawa in modern Eritrea would be recognized. Naturally the Europeans didn't give a shyt about his claims.Mahdist leader Muhammad Ahmad didn't like Yohannes' meddling and got to beefin, meanwhile Menelik and another king from Gojjam rebelled, and the Italians took the port of Massawa, all at the same damn time. His second in command crushed the first Mahdist attack and was in route to attack the Italians, meanwhile Yohannes' crushed the Gojjam rebellion but before getting to Menelik and Shewa, the Mahdists invaded Gondar and burned many of the old churches and so the Emperor went to confront them. As his army was soundly crushing the Mahdis, Yohannes was mortally wounded. Before death, he reveals that his nephew Ras Mengesha was actually his son and named him heir. Upon hearing the news of his death, his once proud army almost completely fell apart. His second in command and new heir salvaged what little they could of the army. As a loyal few were transferring his body back home they were ambushed by Mahdis, one of his most loyal soldiers fought to the death against them. Yohannes body was taken back to Sudan and beheaded, his head is believed to be in Khartoum somewhere. The confusion in succession split the Tigrayan branch, along with the loss of their ancestral land north of the Mareb river which was to become Eritrea, damaged the prestige of the once proud Tigray line and weakened Tigrayan influence overall for years.
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Emperor Menelik II of Shewa
After the death of his father, Sahle Maryam did time held captive by Emperor Tewodros II due to the unruliness of his future kingdom Shewa. Menelik was treated well by his captor and even married his daughter. After some time he escaped captivity and returned home, after Tewodros' demise Menelik sought to lay his claim to the throne but was beaten by his much better armed rival to the north Ras Mercha. Reluctantly, Sahle, now King Menelik II of Shewa, accepted the legitimacy of Yohannes' ascent to the throne after his victories against the Egyptians. To consummate the peace, Menelik's daughter Zewditu was married off to Yohannes' son and heir Ras Araya Selassie. The marriage didn't work out in the end and the prince died before reaching adulthood. During the Emperor's campaigns against Sudan and Italy, Menelik and Shewa rebelled. When Yohannes was killed by the Mahdists, only Ras Mengesha stood in the way but thanks to more support in the nobility Menelik was crowned Emperor. In order to further destabilize his rival, he agreed to terms with Italy which gave him a nice stock of weapons in exchange for a free hand in the Tigray territory north of the Mareb River which was the old Abyssinian kingdom Medri Bahri a.k.a. Merab Melash which would become Eritrea. The sheer importance of Medri Bahri in Ethiopian history, pre-dating and even birthing the Axumite Empire, makes this occurrence in many ways the end of Classical Abyssinia and birth of Modern Ethiopia. The decision would have profound effects in the region up till the present.
Now well armed, Ethiopia's borders spread far into the south again for the first time since the reign of Amda Seyon several hundred years earlier. It's because of this the traditional name of "Ethiopia" was pushed more to the forefront to promote the new multi-cultural society over the more well known, European favored "Abyssinia" which only referenced the Habesha. With his European contacts he boosted trade and opened Ethiopia up to the market, modern technologies and luxuries trickled into country. Menelik also founded Shegar which would be better known as Addis Abeba (New Flower) in a lush valley in his native land of Shewa. Menelik skillfully played Britain and France against each other, tamed Italy for a moment by leaving them Eritrea, and made Russia his closest European ally. The intentions of Italian takeover was discovered, so armies were mobilized and he and his rivals engaged Italy in 3 major battles. Menelik was on hand for the Battle of Adwa where he gave a stirring prideful speech urging his now diverse compatriots not to become the slaves of Europe as the Eritreans and Somalis now were. Adwa was the 3rd and deciding battle of the first Italio-Abyssinian War and also one of the first times the modern flag was raised. Like neguses before him, the independence of Ethiopia was his sacred duty to the people and crown. As soldiers celebrated, the Imperial couple switched their umbrellas to black and weeped for the many dead people both patriots and former subjects viewing them all equally as Christians. The army then joined in mourning as rains began to pour on the battlefield of Adwa.
The oft-criticized decision not to finish off the Italians and liberate Eritrea had more to do with military logistics, an exhausted army, a nation dangerously close to famine, and the feeling that since many of the Eritreans fought against them they shouldn't compromise lives or Ethiopia's independence to save traitors. In discussing what to do with the POWs the Italians were given the honors of a soldier for having served their king, however the Eritrean askari soldiers were seen as traitors for taking arms against Ethiopia instead of joining them and eliminating the Italians so they were to be punished. Menelik decided on 80 lashes and deportation but his rival Ras Mengesha wanted more his treasonous former subjects. And so, the askari prisoners were mutilated for their betrayal against the old Tigrayan rule and Ethiopia's crown. They were sent off to their new Italian colony missing at least a hand and foot, sometimes even fully castrated. Menelik felt indifferent and allowed this while he concerned himself more with repairing and modernizing his Ethiopia while keeping Europe at bay. However this incident would be one of many remembered by Eritreans and slyly used by the Italians in the politicizing of their new colonial subjects. It was the first of many incidents which cut even deeper in the wound of betrayal between each side. The conflict born between Ethiopia and Eritrea would become a tragic blemish on what was one of the greatest reigns in the dynasty.
Lij Iyasu V
Grand nephew of Menelik II. He was chosen as next to rule, but he was pretty rebellious and while he had progressive ideas he wasn't the leader or diplomat Menelik was. When he reportedly converted to Islam he got excommunicated which all but nullified his legitimacy. So while he held rule briefly he was never officially crowned by the Church. This is why he goes by the regal title of "Lij" which means "child" in Amharic but is used as a title for royal children. His grandson is one of my brother's close friends. After he was deposed he was kept in good shape by his Aunt the Empress, upon escaping and plotting rebellion against Ras Tafari he was again imprisoned. (Iyasu and Ras Tafari were cousins that were in similar circles as some of the pics show, the last pic shows his imprisonment by which point Ras Tafari now went by his christen name Haile Selassie)
Empress Zewditu
Since her nephew Iyasu was too volatile to rule, Menelik's daughter Zewditu was crowned Empress while Ras Tafari acted as her regent. Despite Iyasu's alienation from the nobility, his aunt loved him dearly and saw fit that he be taken care of as if nothing changed. The Empress was a very loving person, especially considering as how Iyasu was particularly harsh towards her. She was mostly afraid of the damnation he would face by his excommunication given her deep religious views. After she passed and Ras Tafari rose to power his pampering days were done.
Zewditu and her father would be the last to claim an undisturbed direct lineage to the male side of the Solomonic dynasty. Her reign wasn't a happy one, as she felt guilt for going against her father's wishes by taking the throne from his heir even though she knew it was right, as well as the death of her husband in battle against Ras Tafari, and the early deaths of her children. After an attempt was made to remove Ras Tafari, she was compelled to crown him Emperor and let him rule Ethiopia while she quietly ruled over him. As the new Negus led the nation, the Empress spent the remainder of her years building churches.
Emperor Haile Selassie I
Not much to say that hasn't been said. Lij Tafari Mekonnen, son of Menelik's top diplomat and cousin Ras Mekonnen, was of Amhara and Oromo noble blood like Menelik before him. When Zewditu passed on he gained full control of the country. Went into exile during the Italian occupation and spent the time gathering support for the cause of the relentless Ethiopian patriots. The Emperor also thanked various groups for the support given including African Americans in Harlem who were especially sympathetic to the struggle. Ended slavery in 1924, made Ethiopia a founding member of the League of Nations and later the U.N., continued Menelik's work of modernization, brought some reforms including a Constitution. Was a major factor in the development of the OAU and the Pan Africanist struggle. Both of my parents tell me under Haile Selassie's reign Ethiopia was in relatively better financial shape than it was after his ouster.
Ultimately, his downfall had a lot to do with a nobility unwilling to change, a more educated society no longer willing to accept the status quo, a rebellion in Eritrea he helped create through ill-advised moves, and a humanitarian crisis in Wollo where people starved while his pet lions were well fed. Selassie made mistakes too, he wasn't perfect, but he arguably did more than any Ethiopian leader had done before, and arguably since his passing too. Tidbit, his wife Empress Menen is a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad so their many children/grandchildren claim descendant from King Solomon, Queen Sheba, and the Prophet Muhammad.
After the death of his father, Sahle Maryam did time held captive by Emperor Tewodros II due to the unruliness of his future kingdom Shewa. Menelik was treated well by his captor and even married his daughter. After some time he escaped captivity and returned home, after Tewodros' demise Menelik sought to lay his claim to the throne but was beaten by his much better armed rival to the north Ras Mercha. Reluctantly, Sahle, now King Menelik II of Shewa, accepted the legitimacy of Yohannes' ascent to the throne after his victories against the Egyptians. To consummate the peace, Menelik's daughter Zewditu was married off to Yohannes' son and heir Ras Araya Selassie. The marriage didn't work out in the end and the prince died before reaching adulthood. During the Emperor's campaigns against Sudan and Italy, Menelik and Shewa rebelled. When Yohannes was killed by the Mahdists, only Ras Mengesha stood in the way but thanks to more support in the nobility Menelik was crowned Emperor. In order to further destabilize his rival, he agreed to terms with Italy which gave him a nice stock of weapons in exchange for a free hand in the Tigray territory north of the Mareb River which was the old Abyssinian kingdom Medri Bahri a.k.a. Merab Melash which would become Eritrea. The sheer importance of Medri Bahri in Ethiopian history, pre-dating and even birthing the Axumite Empire, makes this occurrence in many ways the end of Classical Abyssinia and birth of Modern Ethiopia. The decision would have profound effects in the region up till the present.
Now well armed, Ethiopia's borders spread far into the south again for the first time since the reign of Amda Seyon several hundred years earlier. It's because of this the traditional name of "Ethiopia" was pushed more to the forefront to promote the new multi-cultural society over the more well known, European favored "Abyssinia" which only referenced the Habesha. With his European contacts he boosted trade and opened Ethiopia up to the market, modern technologies and luxuries trickled into country. Menelik also founded Shegar which would be better known as Addis Abeba (New Flower) in a lush valley in his native land of Shewa. Menelik skillfully played Britain and France against each other, tamed Italy for a moment by leaving them Eritrea, and made Russia his closest European ally. The intentions of Italian takeover was discovered, so armies were mobilized and he and his rivals engaged Italy in 3 major battles. Menelik was on hand for the Battle of Adwa where he gave a stirring prideful speech urging his now diverse compatriots not to become the slaves of Europe as the Eritreans and Somalis now were. Adwa was the 3rd and deciding battle of the first Italio-Abyssinian War and also one of the first times the modern flag was raised. Like neguses before him, the independence of Ethiopia was his sacred duty to the people and crown. As soldiers celebrated, the Imperial couple switched their umbrellas to black and weeped for the many dead people both patriots and former subjects viewing them all equally as Christians. The army then joined in mourning as rains began to pour on the battlefield of Adwa.
The oft-criticized decision not to finish off the Italians and liberate Eritrea had more to do with military logistics, an exhausted army, a nation dangerously close to famine, and the feeling that since many of the Eritreans fought against them they shouldn't compromise lives or Ethiopia's independence to save traitors. In discussing what to do with the POWs the Italians were given the honors of a soldier for having served their king, however the Eritrean askari soldiers were seen as traitors for taking arms against Ethiopia instead of joining them and eliminating the Italians so they were to be punished. Menelik decided on 80 lashes and deportation but his rival Ras Mengesha wanted more his treasonous former subjects. And so, the askari prisoners were mutilated for their betrayal against the old Tigrayan rule and Ethiopia's crown. They were sent off to their new Italian colony missing at least a hand and foot, sometimes even fully castrated. Menelik felt indifferent and allowed this while he concerned himself more with repairing and modernizing his Ethiopia while keeping Europe at bay. However this incident would be one of many remembered by Eritreans and slyly used by the Italians in the politicizing of their new colonial subjects. It was the first of many incidents which cut even deeper in the wound of betrayal between each side. The conflict born between Ethiopia and Eritrea would become a tragic blemish on what was one of the greatest reigns in the dynasty.
Lij Iyasu V
Grand nephew of Menelik II. He was chosen as next to rule, but he was pretty rebellious and while he had progressive ideas he wasn't the leader or diplomat Menelik was. When he reportedly converted to Islam he got excommunicated which all but nullified his legitimacy. So while he held rule briefly he was never officially crowned by the Church. This is why he goes by the regal title of "Lij" which means "child" in Amharic but is used as a title for royal children. His grandson is one of my brother's close friends. After he was deposed he was kept in good shape by his Aunt the Empress, upon escaping and plotting rebellion against Ras Tafari he was again imprisoned. (Iyasu and Ras Tafari were cousins that were in similar circles as some of the pics show, the last pic shows his imprisonment by which point Ras Tafari now went by his christen name Haile Selassie)
Since her nephew Iyasu was too volatile to rule, Menelik's daughter Zewditu was crowned Empress while Ras Tafari acted as her regent. Despite Iyasu's alienation from the nobility, his aunt loved him dearly and saw fit that he be taken care of as if nothing changed. The Empress was a very loving person, especially considering as how Iyasu was particularly harsh towards her. She was mostly afraid of the damnation he would face by his excommunication given her deep religious views. After she passed and Ras Tafari rose to power his pampering days were done.
Zewditu and her father would be the last to claim an undisturbed direct lineage to the male side of the Solomonic dynasty. Her reign wasn't a happy one, as she felt guilt for going against her father's wishes by taking the throne from his heir even though she knew it was right, as well as the death of her husband in battle against Ras Tafari, and the early deaths of her children. After an attempt was made to remove Ras Tafari, she was compelled to crown him Emperor and let him rule Ethiopia while she quietly ruled over him. As the new Negus led the nation, the Empress spent the remainder of her years building churches.
Not much to say that hasn't been said. Lij Tafari Mekonnen, son of Menelik's top diplomat and cousin Ras Mekonnen, was of Amhara and Oromo noble blood like Menelik before him. When Zewditu passed on he gained full control of the country. Went into exile during the Italian occupation and spent the time gathering support for the cause of the relentless Ethiopian patriots. The Emperor also thanked various groups for the support given including African Americans in Harlem who were especially sympathetic to the struggle. Ended slavery in 1924, made Ethiopia a founding member of the League of Nations and later the U.N., continued Menelik's work of modernization, brought some reforms including a Constitution. Was a major factor in the development of the OAU and the Pan Africanist struggle. Both of my parents tell me under Haile Selassie's reign Ethiopia was in relatively better financial shape than it was after his ouster.
Ultimately, his downfall had a lot to do with a nobility unwilling to change, a more educated society no longer willing to accept the status quo, a rebellion in Eritrea he helped create through ill-advised moves, and a humanitarian crisis in Wollo where people starved while his pet lions were well fed. Selassie made mistakes too, he wasn't perfect, but he arguably did more than any Ethiopian leader had done before, and arguably since his passing too. Tidbit, his wife Empress Menen is a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad so their many children/grandchildren claim descendant from King Solomon, Queen Sheba, and the Prophet Muhammad.
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ltheghost
Payin Debts.... N40
Black History!!!!!
Since, I'm in Japan, one of the lands of my ancestors....
Sakanoue no Tamuramaro
The Black Samurai.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakanoue_no_Tamuramaro
According to the Shoku Nihongi, an official historical record, The Sakaue clan is descended from Emperor Ling of Han China.[6][7] And Sakaue clan's family tree shows that Tamuramaro is a 14th-generation descendent of Ling.[8]
However, according to Alexander Francis Chamberlain, in April 1911 the Journal of Race Development published an essay by Chamberlain entitled "The Contribution of the Negro to Human Civilization." While discussing the African presence in early Asia, Chamberlain stated in an exceptionally frank and matter of fact manner:
"And we can cross the whole of Asia and find the Negro again, for when, in far-off Japan, the ancestors of the modern Japanese were making their way northward against the Ainu, the aborigines of that country, the leader of their armies was Sakanouye Tamuramaro, a famous general and a Negro."
Come visit Japan Brehs...we have been here for a long time.
Since, I'm in Japan, one of the lands of my ancestors....
Sakanoue no Tamuramaro
The Black Samurai.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakanoue_no_Tamuramaro
According to the Shoku Nihongi, an official historical record, The Sakaue clan is descended from Emperor Ling of Han China.[6][7] And Sakaue clan's family tree shows that Tamuramaro is a 14th-generation descendent of Ling.[8]
However, according to Alexander Francis Chamberlain, in April 1911 the Journal of Race Development published an essay by Chamberlain entitled "The Contribution of the Negro to Human Civilization." While discussing the African presence in early Asia, Chamberlain stated in an exceptionally frank and matter of fact manner:
"And we can cross the whole of Asia and find the Negro again, for when, in far-off Japan, the ancestors of the modern Japanese were making their way northward against the Ainu, the aborigines of that country, the leader of their armies was Sakanouye Tamuramaro, a famous general and a Negro."
Come visit Japan Brehs...we have been here for a long time.
Notable works
In 1753 at the age of 22, Banneker completed a wooden clock that struck on the hour. He appears to have modeled his clock from a borrowed pocket watch by carving each piece to scale. The clock continued to work until Banneker's death.
After his father died in 1759, Banneker lived with his mother and sisters. In 1771, the Ellicott family moved to the area and built mills along the Patapsco River. Banneker supplied their workers with food and studied the mills. The Ellicotts were Quakers and shared the same views on racial equality as did many of their faith. George Ellicott lent Benjamin Banneker books and equipment to begin a more formal study of astronomy in 1788. The following year, Banneker sent George his work calculating a solar eclipse.
In February 1791, Major Andrew Ellicott, a member of the same family, hired Banneker to assist in the initial survey of the boundaries of the new federal district, which the 1790 federal Residence Act and later legislation authorized. Formed from land along the Potomac River that the states of Maryland and Virginia ceded to the federal government of the United States in accordance with the Residence Act, the territory that became the original District of Columbia was a square measuring 10 miles (16 km) on each side, totaling 100 square miles (260 km2). Ellicott's team placed boundary stones at every mile point along the borders of the new capital territory.
Banneker's duties on the survey consisted primarily of making astronomical observations at Jones Point in Alexandria, Virginia, to ascertain the location of the starting point for the survey. He also maintained a clock that he used to relate points on the ground to the positions of stars at specific times. However, at age 59, Banneker left the boundary survey in April 1791 due to illness and difficulties completing the survey. He returned to his home at Ellicott's Mills to work on an ephemeris. Andrew Ellicott continued the survey with his brothers Benjamin and Joseph Ellicottand other assistants through 1791 and 1792.
Title page of an edition of Banneker's 1792 almanac.
At Ellicott's Mills, Banneker made astronomical calculations that predicted solar and lunar eclipses for inclusion in his ephemeris. He placed the ephemeris and its subsequent revisions in a number of editions in a six-year series of almanacs which were printed and sold in six cities in four states for the years 1792 through 1797: Baltimore; Philadelphia; Wilmington, Delaware; Alexandria, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Richmond, Virginia. He also kept a series of journals that contained his notebooks for astronomical observations and his diary. The journals, only one of which survived a fire on the day of his funeral, additionally contained a number of mathematical calculations and puzzles.
The title page of an edition of Banneker's 1792 Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia Almanack and Ephemeris stated that the publication contained:
the Motions of the Sun and Moon, the True Places and Aspects of the Planets, the Rising and Setting of the Sun, Place and Age of the Moon, &c.—The Lunations, Conjunctions, Eclipses, Judgment of the Weather, Festivals, and other remarkable Days; Days for holding the Supreme and Circuit Courts of the United States, as also the useful Courts in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. Also—several useful Tables, and valuable Receipts.—Various Selections from the Commonplace–Book of the Kentucky Philosopher, an American Sage; with interesting and entertaining Essays, in Prose and Verse—the whole comprising a greater, more pleasing, and useful Variety than any Work of the Kind and Price inNorth America.
In addition to the information that its title page described, the almanac contained a tide table for the Chesapeake Bay region. That edition and others listed times for high water or high tide at Cape Charles and Point Lookout, Virginia and Annapolis and Baltimore, Maryland.
Woodcut portrait of Benjamin Bannaker (Banneker) in title page of a Baltimore edition of his 1795Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia Almanac
In his 1793 almanac, Banneker included letters sent between Thomas Jefferson and himself. The title page of a Baltimore edition of his 1795 almanac had a woodcut portrait of him as he may have appeared, but which a writer later concluded was more likely a portrayal of an idealized African American youth.
The almanacs' editors prefaced the publications with adulatory references to Banneker and his race. The 1792 and 1793 almanacs contained lengthy commendations that James McHenry, a signer of the United States Constitution and self-described friend of Banneker, had written in 1791. A 1796 edition stated:
Not you ye proud, impute to these the blame
If Afric's sons to genius are unknown,
For Banneker has prov'd they may acquire a name,
As bright, as lasting, as your own.
Supported by Andrew, George and Elias Ellicott and heavily promoted by the Society for the Promotion of the Abolition of Slavery of Maryland and of Pennsylvania, the early editions of the almanacs achieved commercial success. After these editions were published, William Wilberforce and other prominent abolitionists praised Banneker and his works in the House of Commons of Great Britain.
Political views
Banneker expressed his views on slavery and racial equality in a letter to Thomas Jefferson and in other documents that he placed within his 1793 almanac. The almanac contained copies of his correspondence with Jefferson, poetry by the African American poet Phillis Wheatley and by the English anti-slavery poet William Cowper, and anti-slavery speeches and essays from England and America.[17]
Banneker's 1793 almanac also contained a copy of "A Plan of Peace-office for the United States" that Benjamin Rush had authored.[27] The Plan proposed the appointment of a "Secretary of Peace" and described the Secretary's powers. The Plan stated:
1. Let a Secretary of Peace be appointed to preside in this office; ...; let him be a genuine republican and a sincere Christian ....
2. Let a power be given to the Secretary to establish and maintain free schools in every city, village and township in the United States; ... Let the youth of our country be instructed in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and in the doctrines of a religion of some kind; the Christian religion should be preferred to all others; for it belongs to this religion exclusively to teach us not only to cultivate peace with all men, but to forgive—nay more, to love our very enemies....
3. Let every family be furnished at public expense, by the Secretary of this office, with an American edition of the Bible....
4. Let the following sentence be inscribed in letters of gold over the door of every home in the United States: The Son of Man Came into the World, Not To Destroy Men's Lives, But To Save Them.
5. ...[28]
