1941 — Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie Begins Return from Exile

On May 24, 1941, Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie returned triumphantly to Addis Ababa after five years of exile during Italy’s occupation of Ethiopia. His return marked the end of fascist rule and a powerful symbol of African resistance to European imperialism. Selassie’s leadership during WWII earned Ethiopia a unique position as one of the few African nations to maintain sovereignty through the colonial era. The date is celebrated annually in Ethiopia as a day of liberation and resilience. Selassie’s return also had profound cultural implications—fueling the Rastafarian movement, which views him as a divine figure. For the global Black community, May 24 stands as a reminder of African agency, spiritual identity, and the enduring battle against colonial domination. Haile Selassie’s legacy remains foundational to Afrocentric political thought and Pan-African movements worldwide.