User:Rpath02/Malaku E. Bayen

A propagator of Black internationalism, Malaku Bayen’s contributions to the subject of black unity and the Ethiopian effort toward freedom are left largely unreferenced. His legacy did provide integral contributions toward the recognition of black unity. Bayen was one of the First Ethiopian nationals to earn an American degree. Following this, he was accepted and graduated from Medical School at Howard University, a prestigious black educational institution in June of 1935. Bayen’s insistence on establishing relations with the Afro-American community led to further interaction between them and the Ethiopian community. His attempts at stimulating international black brotherhood led to the professional advancement of many black working professionals. One notable example is John West, a physician who was sent to Ethiopia to become a leading public health official. Following the advent of the Ethiopian War, Bayen intensified his efforts to unite the black community across continents. On September 28, 1936, he gave a speech at Rockland Palace, Harlem, that emphasized the continued sovereignty of Ethiopia, where he was met with significant approval. Furthermore, he created the Ethiopian World Federation and functioned as its Executive Head effective August 25, 1937. The EWF itself was integral in supporting the Ethiopian liberation movement and underlined the necessity of black unity as a hallmark of internationalism and freedom amongst race.

His creation of the Voice of Ethiopia newspaper in 1937 was used as a method of stimulating support for black communities around the globe and helped pave the way to better international representation. His literary contributions are little known, but highlighted in his book, “The March of Black Men, Ethiopia Leads,” a comprehensive account of the Ethiopian people and their battle for independence. Bayen’s close relations with Emperor Selassie and his continued commitment to pan-Africanism particularly in the United States cemented him as a foremost figure for Afro-Americans and others involved in volunteering with the Ethiopian Army, and his efforts in advocating for black unity have left a significant mark on black nationalism across the world.