Category: HIM Visits USA 1954

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HIM Visits USA 1954

Chicago Defender June 12, 1954 – SELASSIE’S SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR NEGROES

Chicago Defender, Saturday June 12, 1954
By James L. Hicks

“SELASSIE’S SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR NEGROES

Emperor Haile Selassie Wednesday advised the colored people of the United States to continue to press their social and intellectual advancement forward ‘with Christian courage’ and to be confident that justice and equality will eventually triumph throughout the world.

The direct message to Negro Americans was given by the Emperor in the first exclusive interview he has granted since arriving here May 25.

The message came after this reporter had informed the Emperor’s staff that there was confusion in the minds of colored Americans as to the Emperor’s position on the racial question and asked the Emperor directly if he had a message for the colored people of America.

The Emperor’s direct reply to this reporter’s question was:

‘My message to the colored people of the United States is that they continue to press forward with determination, their social and intellectual advancement, meeting all obstacles with Christian courage and tolerance, confident in the certainty of the eventual triumph of justice and equality throughout the world’. #QHS

During the brief but exclusive interview the Emperor also exploded the oft repeated rumor that the people of Ethiopia do not wish to be identified with the colored people of America or associate themselves with their problems.

With this rumor in mind I asked the Emperor this question:

KINDRED FEELING

‘Is there a kindred feeling between your people and the colored people of America?’

The Emperor replied: ‘The people of Ethiopia feel the strongest bond of sympathy and understanding with the colored people of the United States. We greatly admire your achievements and your contributions to American life and the tremendous development of this great nation’. #QHS

‘I have’, the Emperor said, ‘been deeply impressed by the warmth of the reception which the colored people of the United States have reserved for me’.” #QHS

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Haile Selassie I - Testimonies HIM Visits USA 1954

Daily Princetonian (US) – 1954

Daily Princetonian, 28th of May 1954:

“HAILE SELASSIE WILL VISIT PRINCETON THIS SATURDAY

Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia, arrives in Princeton for a short visit at 2:00 tomorrow afternoon. The Princeton tour is a part of a 50-day trip to the United States by the noted ruler, who is making his first appearance in this country.

While in Princeton, His Imperial Majesty will view the traditional landmarks on Campus and the Garrett Collection of manuscripts in the Library. At 3:30 a reception in his honor will be held in the Faculty Lounge of the Library.

Arriving in this country last Tuesday, the African ruler thanked President Eisenhower on Wednesday for economic aid to his country. Tomorrow Harlem will greet him, and on Tuesday, June 1, a parade will be held on lower Broadway.

During his stay, Haile Selassie will continue to publicize his country’s untapped resources in hope of getting more investors. American capital has been used extensively in Ethiopia in an effort to bring industry to the nation.

The 62-year-old emperor is well known for his appeal to the League of Nations for economic and military sanctions against Italian aggression before World War II.

In 1938 he said, ‘The League is digging its grave. Is it to end its own existence by tearing up the covenant, which is its sole reason for existence ?’

Following the war he invited Italian prisoners of war to stay in Ethiopia so that their technical talents might be utilized.

The Emperor’s official title since taking the throne in 1930 is: His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Elect of God, King of Kings, King of Zion, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Branch of the Tree of Solomon, and Implement of the Holy Trinity.

The potentate’s party, 25 in number, will remain in Princeton for approximately two hours before motoring to New York. The American visit terminates on July 14.”