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 and Institute of Ethiopian
Studies @ Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 2014 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 Pan African 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 almost 100 years inception. The exhibition is
a collaborative effort of Ethiopia Rastafari Exhibition Committee,
Ethiopia Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ethiopian National Museum,
AAU, Exhibit Advisory Committee, Rita Marley Foundation and D.Y.M.D.C.
& Associates.
The Smithsonian Institute National Museum of
Natural History closed “Discovering Ras Tafari” Exhibit in
November 2011. They 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; however realizing the size, scope, context and other
limiting aspects of “Discovering Ras Tafari” exhibit, decided with
Nana Rita Marley and other Ras Tafari brethren and sistrin, it was
time to create and curate RAS TAFARI: THE MAJESTY AND THE MOVEMENT
Exhibit. It is time for the proverbial "lion to tell its own
story." This exhibition 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 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 His contributions throughout the African Diaspora
and beyond. On the other hand, the Ras Tafari Movement remains one on
the most misunderstood spiritual revivals seeded in 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, Pan Africanism,
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 and Pan Africanism attracting scholars and
students from around the world.
A. VENUES:
1. Addis Ababa- Ethiopia National Museum May to November 2014.
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 Shashamane land grant 1940’s to 2010
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE E-MAIL EXHIBIT COORDINATOR DR. DESTA
MEGHOO @ getreddnow2@yahoo.com or call 251118500126.
