TAFARI MAKONNEN was born in his father's country home near Harar on the 23rd July 1892, the youngest of ten children born to Ras Makonnen and his wife Wayzero Yeshimabet.
Great grandson of King Sahela Sellassie of Shoa.
Baptized at the church his father built in Harar.
When TaFari turned seven his father arranged for a special teacher, and began his education. In TaFari's 3rd year, at the age of 10, he could read and write in Amharic and Geez.
In 1905 Nov.1st TaFari is appointed Dejazmatch(title of senior dignitaries and district chiefs) in the large region called Gara Mullata, but still being to young to administrate, his father gives him a chief administrator to act as deputy and as tutor.
May 1906 Ta Fari is appointed Governor of Solali, and one year later Governor of Baso. Also Ta Fari was living in the palace of the King in Addis Ababa observing the routines of the court, and internal and external affairs of the kingdom.
At 17 the Emperor makes Ta Fari Governor of Sidamo, as Governor he deals with the military, legal, administrative, commerial, and agricultural problems that face the district.
In 1910 he is apointed Governor of Harar, his native province.
July 1911 he marries Wayzero Menan the grandaughter of King Mikhail of Wollo.
Wayzero bares him 3 sons and 3 daughters.
Emperor Menelek's grandson Lij Yasu succeeded to the throne in 1913. But the people turned against him because of his arbitrary acts, and because he renounces the christian Faith for the Moslem faith. In Sept.1916 the Council of State and the Ethiopian chiefs joined forces and removed Lij Yasu, naming Menelek's daughter Zauditu as Empress, and Dejazmatch Ta Fari as Regent and heir presumptive to the throne with the title 'Ras'.
As Crown Prince of Ethiopia and Regent full power is given to him to fulfil the responsibities of the Government.
Ras Ta Fari puts many ideas of modernization into practise.
Making progressive improvements to rid Ethiopia of slavery. He creates an independent judicial system with written regulations. He establishes the Police and Army.
Also he improves Health Services, Communications, Transport, Roads, and Schools are built.
Under the guidance of Ras TaFari, Ethiopia is admitted to the League of Nations in 1924.
Ras Tafari is the first Ethiopian royal to visit Europe.
Ras TaFari and Ethiopia make many friends and take note of techniques which can help modernize Ethiopia.
In 1928 Ras TaFari is crowned Negus(King) of Ethiopia.
Nov.2nd 1930 Ras TaFari is Crowned Negusa Nagast H.I.M Emperor Haile Sellassie I the First, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Elect of God.
Lets Go Back A Bit.
The history of the Ethiopian Kings is written in the 'Kebra Negast'(*Glory of Kings) shows the linage of Haile Sellassie I, that He is the 225th King to occupy the Throne of King David from the line of King Solomon and Queen of Sheba.
The Queen of the South had heard of all King Solomon's wisdom, and wanted to go and see and hear it for herself, so she prepared herself and left for Jerusalem.
When she finally meet King Solomon she was not disappointed for all that she heard was true and more so.
This also marks the beginning of christanity in Ethiopia around B.C 992.
'And King Solomon gave unto the Queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside that which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants.'
And from their union she conceived, and bare Solomon a son in her own land, who she named Bayna-Lehkem, Menyelek I and Solomon nicknamed him David II on the account that he looked like his grandfather King David: then the linage continues through to King Sahela Sellassie, to Menyelek II, through to Haile Sellassie I, to Ahma Sellassie, and his son H.I.H Crown Prince Zere Yacob.
*The writtings of the Kebra Nagast were excised by royal decree from the authorized 1611 KJV of the Bible.
Leadership
