July 23rd - The Emperors Birthday

Last night I took a walk down memory lane to July 23rd, 1978. I was working security at the Santa Barbara County Bowl for a Bob Marley and the Wailers concert.
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This was also Haile Selassie's birthday and here is a link to an audio of that concert.
http://youtu.be/-WC4QEhn5UU
For those who know only a little about Haile Selassie, I am including a good documentary link.
http://youtu.be/DPNemhWssbI
This was a day that literally changed my life and why I now make Jamaica my home.

Hope you enjoy!
Peace and Guidance

This is the thing that I've never been able to grasp about Rastafarianism. I know the story about Haile Selassie, but I've never understood why they revere him. I've never felt comfortable enough to actually ask a Rasta about it, as it's something they take very seriously. I just don't understand why.

http://atlantablackstar.com/2014/07/...aile-selassie/

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Originally Posted by TAH

This is the thing that I've never been able to grasp about Rastafarianism. I know the story about Haile Selassie, but I've never understood why they revere him. I've never felt comfortable enough to actually ask a Rasta about it, as it's something they take very seriously. I just don't understand why.

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Of course, like anything to do with religion, it is a little complicated but here is a place where you can start to learn if you are interested.

Peace and Guidance

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Originally Posted by TAH

This is the thing that I've never been able to grasp about Rastafarianism. I know the story about Haile Selassie, but I've never understood why they revere him. I've never felt comfortable enough to actually ask a Rasta about it, as it's something they take very seriously. I just don't understand why.

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Rastafarians regard Haile Selassie I as God because Marcus Garvey's prophecy - "Look to Africa where a black king shall be crowned, he shall be the Redeemer" - was swiftly followed by the ascension of Haile Selassie as Emperor of Ethiopia, he was then regarded by Rastafarians as the God of the Black race.

Haile Selassie is viewed as the King of Kings from the believed lineage that he is a descendant of King Solomon and Makeda (Queen of Sheba). Many Rastafarians believe, that from this lineage, he is the returning Messiah from the Book of Revelation. It can get very complicated. It is said Emperor Selassie himself did not believe he was the Messiah, but when asked if he would tell the Rasta Elders he was not the savior while in Jamaica, he stated "who am I to disturb their belief?"

I have found Catch a Fire by Timothy White (RIP) to be an outstanding read to help understand Jamaican History, Rastafari and the life of The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley. It is a tough read and I have read it more than 5 times but well worth the time and effort, Amazon has it. Hope this helps without offending anyone.

King of Kings - Judy Mowatt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEltS...BC7961F0A83EE0

An excellent book "Emperor" by Ryszard Kapuscinski [English, Amazon $ 4.99].

I did not realize I shared a birthday with Haile Selassie!

There is wealth of encoded information on the Ethiopian flag of Selassie's time. The flag is called the "Lion of Judah"

The second illustration was the Imperial Standard of H.I.M. Even more esoteric meaning

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Very true captaind, the flags are very telling, provided you know the history. In addition, we will most likely go to our graves without the knowledge of where the Lion of Judah (as rendered in the flags) ring is. Was "The Honorable" buried with it or is it the possession of Rita, David (Ziggy), or given back to the Ethiopian Monarchy, leaders of the Twelve Tribes would like to know, as would I.

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Originally Posted by Packrat

Rastafarians regard Haile Selassie I as God because Marcus Garvey's prophecy - "Look to Africa where a black king shall be crowned, he shall be the Redeemer" - was swiftly followed by the ascension of Haile Selassie as Emperor of Ethiopia, he was then regarded by Rastafarians as the God of the Black race.

Haile Selassie is viewed as the King of Kings from the believed lineage that he is a descendant of King Solomon and Makeda (Queen of Sheba). Rastafarian belief, that from this lineage, he is the returning Messiah from the Book of Revelation. It can get very complicated. It is said Emperor Selassie himself did not believe he was the Messiah, but when asked if he would tell the Rasta Elders he was not the savior while in Jamaica, he stated "who am I to disturb their belief?"

I have found Catch a Fire by Timothy White (RIP) to be an outstanding read to help understand Jamaican History, Rastafarian religion and the life of The Honorable Robert Nesta Marley. It is a tough read and I have read it more than 5 times but well worth the time and effort, Amazon has it. Hope this helps without offending anyone.

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I should have clarified; I understand all of what you wrote, I've read quite a lot about it over the years. I just... I don't know. I don't want to offend anyone, so I'll just leave it at that. I'm not a religious person, so that is probably contributing to my questioning of their choices.

It is always a little dangerous to discuss Religion as a topic. I am an Athiest who lives with a Garveyite/Rastafarian in a Christian community. You can just imagine the conversations/disagreements that this combination elicits. :rolleyes:

My best friend, Marshall, embodies what I believe Marcus Garvey was trying to impart to the Black Race.
http://consciouspen.blogspot.com/201...by-marcus.html

As usual, it is the more fanatical followers that come after them that bend and twist the words and the deeds to fit their particular beliefs. This is true of Rastafarianism as well as most all other religions.

I particularly like Garvey's saying...

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We must give up the silly idea of folding our hands and waiting on God to do everything for us. If God had intended for that, then he would not have given us a mind. Whatever you want in life, you must make up your mind to do it for yourself.

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Just my opinion

If you ever run into the the Coffee mon walking down the westend road. Ask him about Rasta. He will be more than happy to talk to you for as long as you want and tell you everything you want to know. Fascinating.

I can imagine the conversations in my head that you must have seen or been a part of, I'm sure they were very deep and sometimes heated. ;)

Under no circumstances do I want to start a religious discussion, I practice no religion but respect, regardless of their affiliation, the rights of those who do. I am a believer in the Freedom of Religion but an even stronger advocate of Freedom FROM Religion. I was only trying to provide TAH with some clarity from his post question "I just don't understand why"
I practice One Love.

Happy Belated Birthday Kevin

Classic vids, accompong! I know you will never forget that concert!

I know that Rastafari a no "religion," or no "ism." Rastafari is LOVE - Unconditional Love for the people, the planet, the creatures, the plants and yes, most especially the ones who have lost their way and trod the path of hatred and violence.

I know that some will come with "Black dis and dat, and Africa for Africans." I know that mankind originate in Africa so alla we are African. I know that "until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes - is a war." true words spoken by HIM

Freedom, Love and Respect Iyah!

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Originally Posted by goldilocks

I know that some will come with "Black dis and dat, and Africa for Africans." I know that mankind originate in Africa so alla we are African. I know that "until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes - is a war." true words spoken by HIM!

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Couldn't agree more!

Thanks for the belated happy birthday Packrat!

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Originally Posted by goldilocks

Classic vids, accompong! I know you will never forget that concert!

I know that Rastafari a no "religion," or no "ism." Rastafari is LOVE - Unconditional Love for the people, the planet, the creatures, the plants and yes, most especially the ones who have lost their way and trod the path of hatred and violence.

I know that some will come with "Black dis and dat, and Africa for Africans." I know that mankind originate in Africa so alla we are African. I know that "until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes - is a war." true words spoken by HIM

Freedom, Love and Respect Iyah!

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Hi Goldilocks.

Couldn't agree more but just a minor correction..... I think the quote by HIM never included "-is a war." I believe Bob Marley added that to the quote to what HIM spoke in an address before the United Nations general assembly in San Francisco, California in 1963. Maybe I am incorrect but I think I am right. Anyone know for sure?

Peace and Guidance

BTW, I did look up the exact speech incase anyone wants to know.

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That until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned: That until there are no longer first-class and second class citizens of any nation; That until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; That until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained; And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique and in South Africa in subhuman bondage have been toppled and destroyed; Until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding and tolerance and good-will; Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven; Until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary, and we know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil.

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http://www.nazret.com/history/him_un.php

Just a minor point but I like the facts. Thanks Goldi for making me work! :p
Peace and Guidance

Nicely done accompong

I always keep my "Selected speeches of Haile Selassie I" by me and read a little bit of it each night. Through the speeches you discover an intelligent and thoughtful person.

This haley guy is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. He must not have been all that important.

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Originally Posted by Jaherring

This haley guy is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. He must not have been all that important.

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ding, ding, ding. Stop voting, we have the winner for "Post of the Year" too freaking funny

Like Bill Haley and the Comets?

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Originally Posted by Jaherring

This haley guy is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. He must not have been all that important.

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That's where you are wrong. Lots of "Haleys begatten Haleys". They do that a lot in the South. :rolleyes:
http://www.biblerecords.com/haley.html

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Originally Posted by Jaherring

This haley guy is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. He must not have been all that important.

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really????

Accompon, you never fail to inform, inspire and impress me, not to mention, occasionally crack me up. Once again, well done my friend.

thanks, Accompong, I didn't take the time to type the actual speech. "War" is one of the very first of Bob's songs I learned way back when; the words struck a chord in my heart.

Here's a picture of Selassie being greeted by the Ras Elder at the time.

1966 from the Gleaner

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Originally Posted by goldilocks

thanks, Accompong, I didn't take the time to type the actual speech. "War" is one of the very first of Bob's songs I learned way back when; the words struck a chord in my heart.

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Goldi, I wanted to apologize just a likkle. At the same time I was posting this, a friend had posted this supposed quote from HIM on Facebook.
Attachment 38257
When I read it, I realized that this was not from HIM but from Bob Marley's song "War". I bought Rastaman Vibration in 1978 just after that concert I talked about in the beginning of this thread. It was Marshall who actually educated me as to where a lot of the Marley lyrics came from like; "I shot the sheriff" which came from a movie about Gregorio Cortez (although Marshall didn't know the exact name) and besides HIM the speeches of Marcus Garvey.

You know me well. I am a writer and a researcher and I bristle a likkle at misquotes and misspellings. :cool:

But..... ya no mi luv ya gyal!

Peace Love and Guidance.

Accompong,

Did you get my PM about HIM and Garvey?

For a very thorough biography I recommend "Negro with a Hat: The Rise and Fall of Marcus Garvey" by Colin Grant.

captaind, I believe in the photo HIM is presenting the elder with a special coin which he is said to have given out to a select few in Jamaica.

accompong, mi love ya back! those words were a part of HIM's actual speech and Bob spread them even further throughout the world. That same album began my path and it still has a place of honor in my collection of vinyl.

Papa, not too sure about that title but will take a look. sometimes the biographer puts their own spin on things. I was just watching an old documentary and the reporter was talking about "threatening" Rastafarian cults and about how Bob was "out of his mind" on ganja all day. More likely he was into his mind?

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Originally Posted by goldilocks

captaind, I believe in the photo HIM is presenting the elder with a special coin which he is said to have given out to a select few in Jamaica.

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Certainly looks so.

Sometimes biographers do that yes. This one seems to be pretty even handed with the subject. Everything (and maybe more) that you wanted to know about Marcus Garvey.

As to the title. "A Negro with a Hat" refers to how W.E.B. Dubois (another prominent proponent of Black rights around the turn of the century) cynically referred
to Garvey. This referred to Garvey's sometime ostentatious display of fancy uniforms and plumed hats. At that time a number of organizations (Garvey's being only one) competed for Black membership in the U.S. and the world.

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Originally Posted by Papa Georgie

Sometimes biographers do that yes. This one seems to be pretty even handed with the subject. This referred to Garvey's sometime ostentatious display of fancy uniforms and plumed hats. At that time a number of organizations (Garvey's being only one) competed for Black membership in the U.S. and the world.

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The uniform and plumed hat is from another organization that Garvey belonged to.

Yes. The Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).

Attachment 38260

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Originally Posted by Papa Georgie

Yes. The Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).

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Yes that's true as well as another. Does the book mention his spiritual mentor Prince Hall?

I don't recall that Cap. I will say the book provides not only a comprehensive look at Garvey's life (warts and all) but also the various organizations competing for Black Membership from 1880's to 1920's. These were heady times for the "Negro Rights" movements.

LOL, I was picking up on that cynicism (is that a word?) in the title, yes!