Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam

In Rastafarian beliefs, Haile Selassie I is regarded as the messiah of the black race. This stems from his role as Emperor of Ethiopia and his significance in Pan-Africanism. Rastafarians view him not only as a king but also as a divine figure, representing the hope and liberation of people of African descent. His lineage can be traced back to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, which strengthens his perceived connection to divinity among Rastafarians.

The acknowledgment of Selassie as the messiah is heavily influenced by his visit to Jamaica in 1966, which was seen as a fulfillment of prophecies regarding the return of a leader who would uplift black people. His speeches advocated for African unity and self-determination, resonating deeply with the Rastafarian community and the broader struggle for racial equality and pride.

While figures like Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X are also important in black empowerment movements, their contributions do not align with the specific role of messiah as defined by Rastafarian doctrine. Nelson Mandela, although a prominent leader in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, is not viewed through a messianic lens within Rastafarian beliefs. Thus, Selassie's unique position