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| Selected Speeches |
| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| Chapter III |
| Inter-Africa |
| Speech To American Committee On Africa Apr. 18, 1960 |
| Selected Speeches |
| Haile Selassie the First - April 18, 1960 |
Today, Africans and friends of Africa everywhere are celebrating Africa
Freedom Day. Observance of this Day testifies to what is undoubtedly
one of the most significant phenomena of this post-war world -- the
liberation from the bonds which have so long fettered the millions of
Africans to whom, but a short time ago, freedom and independence were
but distant dreams. Within the post-war period, the number of
independent African nations has more than doubled; next year, additional
states will achieve their independence; and each year that follows will see
ever increasing numbers of Africans enjoying these most precious of
Almighty God's gifts.
The tide which is sweeping Africa today cannot be stayed. No power on
earth is great enough to halt or reverse the trend. Its march is as relentless
and inexorable as the passage of time. The day is long overdue for a
change of attitude on the part of those nations which have heretofore
sought to hinder or impede this movement or which have been content in
the past to remain passive in the face of the impassioned cries for
freedom, for justice, for the right to stand with their fellowmen as equals,
which have gone up from this Continent. It is time for them to enlist their
sympathetic efforts on behalf of the struggle of the African peoples go
gain the place in the world which is their God-given birthright. Those
who hail or refuse to do so, those who lack the vision and foresight to
realize that Africa is emerging into a new era, that Africans will no longer
be denied the rights which are inalienably theirs, will not alter or reverse
the course of history, but will not only suffer the inevitable consequences
of their refusal to accept reality.
What is there to be learned from the events now occurring on the African
Continent? It must be recognized too, that Africa, its people, its present
and its future, are of vital concern to everyone, no matter how far
removed geographically. In the past, America has too often been content
to remain relatively unconcerned about events in Africa, too ready to stand
on the sidelines of African history as a disinterested observer. This policy
will not serve today, and the attitude which the American people and
Government now adopt towards Africa indicates that they too realize that
a new Africa has emerged on the world scene. As a result, however,
Americans have been largely uninformed about us, our peoples, our
problems. Among other peoples, more and more is gradually coming to be
known, but mainly, We would venture, because the peoples of Africa have
forced the rest of the world to pay heed to them and to harken to the
stirrings and reverberations which have resounded throughout this
Continent in the last decade.
Freedom Day. Observance of this Day testifies to what is undoubtedly
one of the most significant phenomena of this post-war world -- the
liberation from the bonds which have so long fettered the millions of
Africans to whom, but a short time ago, freedom and independence were
but distant dreams. Within the post-war period, the number of
independent African nations has more than doubled; next year, additional
states will achieve their independence; and each year that follows will see
ever increasing numbers of Africans enjoying these most precious of
Almighty God's gifts.
The tide which is sweeping Africa today cannot be stayed. No power on
earth is great enough to halt or reverse the trend. Its march is as relentless
and inexorable as the passage of time. The day is long overdue for a
change of attitude on the part of those nations which have heretofore
sought to hinder or impede this movement or which have been content in
the past to remain passive in the face of the impassioned cries for
freedom, for justice, for the right to stand with their fellowmen as equals,
which have gone up from this Continent. It is time for them to enlist their
sympathetic efforts on behalf of the struggle of the African peoples go
gain the place in the world which is their God-given birthright. Those
who hail or refuse to do so, those who lack the vision and foresight to
realize that Africa is emerging into a new era, that Africans will no longer
be denied the rights which are inalienably theirs, will not alter or reverse
the course of history, but will not only suffer the inevitable consequences
of their refusal to accept reality.
What is there to be learned from the events now occurring on the African
Continent? It must be recognized too, that Africa, its people, its present
and its future, are of vital concern to everyone, no matter how far
removed geographically. In the past, America has too often been content
to remain relatively unconcerned about events in Africa, too ready to stand
on the sidelines of African history as a disinterested observer. This policy
will not serve today, and the attitude which the American people and
Government now adopt towards Africa indicates that they too realize that
a new Africa has emerged on the world scene. As a result, however,
Americans have been largely uninformed about us, our peoples, our
problems. Among other peoples, more and more is gradually coming to be
known, but mainly, We would venture, because the peoples of Africa have
forced the rest of the world to pay heed to them and to harken to the
stirrings and reverberations which have resounded throughout this
Continent in the last decade.
| Africa and U.S.A. |
The American people can make a significant contribution to guaranteeing
that a deep and abiding friendship exists between Africa and the United
States of America. Learn more about us; learn to understand our
backgrounds, our culture and traditions, our strengths and weaknesses.
Learn to appreciate our desires and hopes, our problems, our fears. If we
truly known one another, a solid and firm basis will exist for the
maintenance of the friendly relations between the African and the
American peoples, which -- We are convinced -- both so ardently desire.
You may be assured that there will be no failure in the warm and brotherly
response from our side.
In the midst of the strife and turmoil which marks Africa today, the
African peoples still extend the hand of friendship. But it is extended to
those who desire the progress and the political and economic freedom of
the African people, who are willing generously and without thought of
selfish gain to assist us to our feet that we may stand by their side as
brothers. We are convinced that there are countless millions of such to be
found throughout the world. We know that those to found throughout the
world. We know that those to whom We send this message, who are
today assembled in New York City to join in the celebration of Africa
Freedom Day, are numbered among them. To them, We send Our
warmest greetings and Our prayers that the purpose which today unites
them may be soon realized.
We must thank the American Committee on Africa which has made it
possible for Us to send these words to you today. The cause which you
espouse is a noble and just one and, with the help of Almighty God, will
triumph.
that a deep and abiding friendship exists between Africa and the United
States of America. Learn more about us; learn to understand our
backgrounds, our culture and traditions, our strengths and weaknesses.
Learn to appreciate our desires and hopes, our problems, our fears. If we
truly known one another, a solid and firm basis will exist for the
maintenance of the friendly relations between the African and the
American peoples, which -- We are convinced -- both so ardently desire.
You may be assured that there will be no failure in the warm and brotherly
response from our side.
In the midst of the strife and turmoil which marks Africa today, the
African peoples still extend the hand of friendship. But it is extended to
those who desire the progress and the political and economic freedom of
the African people, who are willing generously and without thought of
selfish gain to assist us to our feet that we may stand by their side as
brothers. We are convinced that there are countless millions of such to be
found throughout the world. We know that those to found throughout the
world. We know that those to whom We send this message, who are
today assembled in New York City to join in the celebration of Africa
Freedom Day, are numbered among them. To them, We send Our
warmest greetings and Our prayers that the purpose which today unites
them may be soon realized.
We must thank the American Committee on Africa which has made it
possible for Us to send these words to you today. The cause which you
espouse is a noble and just one and, with the help of Almighty God, will
triumph.
| ... The tide which is sweeping Africa today cannot be stayed. No power on earth is great enough to halt or to reverse trend. Its march is as relentless and inexorable as the passage of time... |
| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |