IDOR-DMV Ras Tafari Community Ras Tafari 88th Coronation Iniversary: Report & Giving Thanks &
IDOR’s 2018 celebrations of the 88th anniversary since the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw were very successful.
The events commenced on the eve of Friday November 2, 2018 with Nyahbinghi Ises in Baltimore, Maryland. Rases Negus and Melku, along with Dej. George erected a beautiful tabernacle and an additional tent was set up to accommodate attendees. Attendees began gathering from 8pm, and at 9pm the Ises began amidst thundering rains.
The rains fell intermittently at times, allowing other attendees to join in the celebration… and oh what a great celebration it was indeed. Children, their parents, and even Elders all rocked to the Chants of adoration and praise to Jah Ras Tafari. To seal the Nyahbinghi Ises, Ras Ivi’s descriptive narrative of the 1930 coronation was read by a child and a youth-Elder to the listening pleasure of all.
On Saturday November 3, 2018, IDOR hosted an edutainment symposium that included tributes and recognition of IDOR’s Founding Elders, along with presentations from IDOR’s President and Youth Representative. A contemporary presentation of the Coronation footage, newly researched information on the coronation of Empress Menen Asfaw, and a Marley-centric perspective on the similarities between the messages of Ras Tafari, Judaism and other established spiritual and religious constructions were also presented.
Nana Farika Berhane, one of IDOR’s Founding Elders presented portions of her writings on Empress Menen Asfaw and the Ras Tafari woman. The dignified octogenarian spoke proudly of her life’s calling and mission and encouraged others to follow the leadings of Our Majesties in their lives. Nana Farika along with Baba Ras Marcus and Father Ras Irice were also honored at the event. They received recognition from Baltimore City’s Mayor and from the Iniversal Development of Ras Tafari Inc. (IDOR) for their contributions to Ras Tafari Community Development and Leadership Services respectively.
Rabbi Martin Siegel delivered an impassioned presentation on the need for collaboration between all people of faith in pursuit of a better humanity. He cited the role of Emperor Haile Selassie I in pursuit of that common goodness and suggested that the musical mission of Bob Marley-a disciple of Emperor Haile Selassie I contained relevant spiritual lessons for all humanity. His presentation was well received.
Special thanks to Ras Mika’El Rose for providing a Ras Tafari-centered interpretation and edits to the Coronation footage. Also, thanks to Empress Fetlework Daley and Dr. Jake Homiak for providing translation and English captions respectively for the coronation footage. IDOR also sends special thanks to Brother Peter Barbernitz, Rabbi Martin Siegel and to all IDOR Executives and supporters who made the event a tremendous success.
Let us all follow the life examples of His and Her Majesties, Emperor Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw. Let us be channels of blessings, goodness and ‘One Perfect Love.’