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“It is no less important that we know whence we came. An awareness of our past is essential to the establishment of our personality and our identity as Africans.”

Source: Opening address at the founding summit of the Organisation of African Unity, Addis Ababa, 25 May 1963

Context In his opening speech to the founding summit of the OAU, the emperor reflected on Africa's history before colonial rule and its importance for African identity.

Portrait of Haile Selassie
Haile SelassieEthiopia · 1892–1975
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