Haile Selassie I, born Tafari on July 23, 1892, near Harer, Ethiopia, served as the Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974. He is renowned for his efforts to modernize the nation and engage in global politics, including Ethiopia's admission to the League of Nations in 1923. Selassie's famous quote, "Leadership does not mean domination," underscores his belief that effective leadership is rooted in guidance and service, rather than control. Throughout his reign, he introduced progressive reforms aimed at improving education and governance. However, his leadership faced challenges, including criticism for being overly centralized and slow to respond to issues like famine. In 1974, he was overthrown by a military coup. Despite his controversial end, Selassie's influence on African unity is significant, having helped establish the Organization of African Unity in 1963, which later evolved into the African Union. His legacy continues to inspire discussions on leadership today.