Read the revealing letters sent by W.E.B. Du Bois to Haile Selassie about Africa

Dated June 17, 1960, the first letter was sent to the Emperor commending him for his speech warning Africa against becoming dependent on loans from Europe and America.

Read the letter below:

“Your Majesty,

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I have read with great interest in the New York Times the report of your speech at the meeting of independent African nations. I write to thank you for the speech and especially for its warning to Africa not to become dependent upon loans from Europe and America. This is the policy by which your predecessor, Menelik, saved the independence of your country.

I am, sir,

                                                                                                                                                         Your Obedient Servant,

                                                                                                                                                                W.E.B. Du Bois”

Letter courtesy David Graham Du Bois Trust/Special Collections and University Archives, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries

Letter courtesy David Graham Du Bois Trust/Special Collections and University Archives, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries.