(July 23, 1892- August 27, 1975)

Born Lij Tafari Makonnen, but renamed Haile Selassie (“Might of the Trinity”) when he became Emperor, was a key leader in the growth of Ethiopia.  He was brought up in the royal courts and learned about politics and was even given a job as governor at age 14. In 1928, he named himself King and after the death of Emperor Zauditu, Selassie was named Emperor.  After Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia in 1935, he was forced into exile as the Italians took control of Ethiopia. Selassie went before the League of Nations to plea for help in the conflict in 1936 and with the help of Britain in 1941, was able to regain control of the country.