SAVE THE DATE!
RAS TAFARI: THE
MAJESTY & THE MOVEMENT EXHIBIT in ETHIOPIA 2015
RAS TAFARI: THE MAJESTY AND THE
MOVEMENT is an exhibition devoted to the celebration, preservation,
interpretation and overstanding of the contributions and experiences
of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, and the Pan African
Movement known by The Majesty’s early name, Ras Tafari. The main
exhibition will be housed at The Ethiopian National Museum in Addis
Ababa in 2015 with satellite exhibits in Shashamane and Harar.
Memorabilia, rare and valuable items, century old documents and
ephemera, will be included. An opportunity for 2nd and 3rd generation
Rasta youth to share their recent films, books and expressions through
the exhibit and ancillary events will also be provided. This is an
important component of the exhibit as it allows viewers to see the
continuity and further development of the Movement, after its nearly
100 years inception. The exhibition is a collaborative effort of Ras
Tafari Collective of Ethiopia and the Ras Tafari International
Communities, Exhibit Advisory Committee and various
sponsors/supporters such as the Bob and Rita Marley Foundations,
Ethiopian National Museum and D.Y.M.D.C. & Associates
(Children’s Village Community Project) and the Ethiopia Ministry of
Culture and Tourism amongst others.
As most may know, the Smithsonian
Institute National Museum of Natural History presently houses the
“Discovering Ras Tafari” Exhibit scheduled to close in November
2011. The Smithsonian has provided millions of viewers with an
important glimpse into the world of Ras Tafari. Dr. Desta Meghoo was
appointed advisor on the Smithsonian exhibit, by the Ancient Council
of the Nyahbinghi Order. A request was then made in 2004 to repatriate
the collection to Ethiopia upon its closing. In October 2010, the
repatriation of the exhibit, under a new name, was once again
discussed with Smithsonian Director of Exhibits, Dr. Michael Mason and
curator and Rasta enthusiast J. Homiak. Mason welcomed the discussion
with Rasta Elder Nana Rita Marley, Ras Birhan Tonge –photojournalist
and Dr. Desta Meghoo. However, considering the size, scope, context
and other limiting aspects of “Discovering Ras Tafari” exhibit, we
decided it was best to create and curate RAS TAFARI: THE MAJESTY AND
THE MOVEMENT an exhibit. It is time for the proverbial "lion to
tell its own story" from our own perspective.
Ras Tafari: The Majesty & The
Movement exhibit will reflect the tireless journey of a people,
wrenched from our Motherland, enduring tortuous treatment in foreign
places; but with a deeply rooted spiritual and genetic memory, we were
protected, connected and guided home. This exhibit is the fascinating
and passionate story of our survival and the strength Ethiopia and the
Emperor provided. We will open a wide portal to education and
enlightenment for the people of Ethiopia and her many international
visitors.
With Addis Ababa the political
capital of Africa, seat of the African Union; Harar receiving World
Heritage Site award and recognition by UNESCO; and Shashamane as
spiritual home of Rastas, gifted to the ‘Black Peoples of the
West’, Ethiopia is the perfect choice. Further, many Ethiopians and
Africans in general do not know of His Imperial Majesty’s role and
relationship with the international world, towards the development of
Ethiopia and the advancement of Pan Africanism in a quest for world
peace. Fortunately, history has recorded The Majesty's contributions
throughout the African Diaspora. On the other hand, the Ras Tafari
Movement remains one on the most misunderstood spiritual revivals of
the 19th century. Ironically, even many Rastas lack access to cohesive
and complete information; notwithstanding the million responses
available on google search and youth’s reliance on rhetoric or
reggae for inspiration and/or guidance. The mission of RAS TAFARI: THE
MAJESTY AND THE MOVEMENT is to accurately present and interpret the
contributions and relevance of Ras Tafari in the context of Pan
Africanism and towards a united Africa.
The exhibit will focus on experiences
and events that shaped both the Majesty and the Ras Tafari Movement.
The collection of cultural items, art, photos, ephemera, books, rare
items, videos, music and more will cover topics including the
Transatlantic Slave Trade, Ethiopianism, Garveyism, Howellites, Coral
Gardens Massacre, Repatriation, Role of Ras Tafari Women, traditional
Ras Tafari drums and chants, reggae music and more. The exhibition
hopes to offer accompanying and continued unique learning
opportunities and exchange through an extensive compilation of
research materials, conferences, concerts, cultural celebrations,
films, and other programs exploring the diverse and unique histories
and development of Ras Tafari around the world. Our aim is to create
greater awareness of the impact of His Imperial Majesty on the African
Diaspora and the Ras Tafari Movement for those who would not
ordinarily have the opportunity to be exposed to such history and
cultural wealth.
We are also working towards the
development of a research center housing books, periodicals and
records related to the study of Ras Tafari, attracting scholars and
students from around the world. Discussions are already on way with
Ewket Haile New Library, an Ethiopian based Pan African library
establishing its base in Addis Ababa with Emperor Haile Selassie I's
grandson, Crown Prince Zere Yacob Asfa Wossen Haile Selassie and his
wife Wayzero Avril Powell at the helm.
Venues for Exhibits:
1. Addis Ababa- Ethiopia National
Museum. Open to public February to November 2015.
2. Harar - Satellite exhibit on the
birthplace and childhood of Ras Tafari from 1892 to early 1900’s.
3. Shashamane - Satellite exhibit on
the history and development of the Sahasahmane land grant 1940’s to
2010; leading figures; challenges and accomplishments of settlers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE E-MAIL
EXHIBIT COORDINATOR DR. DESTA MEGHOO @ getreddnow2@yahoo.com or call
251118500126.
