Yes I, big up Jahcub for setting the record straight. Long time Europeans have sought to whitewash and trivialize the African greatness of the Ethiopian empire. Angelseekers completely inaccurate article is an example of the subversive efforts to rewrite His-story.
The quote of Menelik stating he was a caucasian comes from an account written by Skinner, a European journalist, not by the Haitian Sylvain, who wrote his own account. Even if the quote was taken at face value, which would by foolish at best, there are key points to examine. Skinner's interpretation is just one example in a myriad of examples of Europeans whitewashing facts. What is a fact is that neither the word "negro" or "caucasian" exist in the Amharic language, so what Menelik actually said is forever unknown. However, Skinner himself alludes to a different meaning despite his word choice, having written: "“The Emperor is said to have listened with great patience the exposition of this idea, and then, WITH THAT FINE, DRY HUMOR, CHARACTERISTIC OF HIM, he replied:
“Yours is a most excellent idea, my young friend. The negro should be uplifted. I applauded your theory, and I wish you the greatest possible success. But in coming to me to take the leadership, you are knocking at the wrong door, so to speak. You know, I am not a negro at all: I am a Caucasian.” (Abyssinia Today, 130-131). [Emphasis mine]
Whatever Menelik actually said was, according to Skinner, said with humor. Humor and wordplay are highly prized values amongst Ethiopians and intrinsic to Ethiopian culture and a reflection of the high intellect Ethiopians exercise in regular communication. Also, after Sylvain and Menelik met Sylvain went on to act as Menelik's personal representative to the Pan African delegation in London, which only reinforces the fact that Sylvain was never dismissed but rather he and his mission were very much embraced.
Perfect Love and Raspect to all the I dem fighting for truth in His Majesty's name!
Link to another article and examination of what's really what:
https://ecadforum.com/2016/05/26/ethiopia-dr-tsegaye-ararssas-caucasian-menelik/amp/
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