Heroes and Heroines

Malangi a Phumba (circa 1915-1964) was a celebrated expert in Pende oral tradition and also a trusted and effective political leader. Born in Kasanji village,...

Ba’eda Maryam (circa 1446-1478) was emperor of Ethiopia from 1468-78. He was famous for the many churches he built. The son and successor of Zare’a...

Malanga (circa 1880-1965), served as chief of the Bodjinga division of the Lobo (Balobo) ethnic group, living just north of Makanza (formerly Nouvelle-Anvers) about 180...

Makombe (circa 1800-circa 1860) served as Mwami (ruler) of the Shi people living southwest of Lake Kivu. His capital was situated at Kabare, about 10...

Bakaffa (1694-September 19, 1730) was emperor of Ethiopia from 1721-30. A shrewd ruler, he consolidated the power of the monarchy. His Christian name was Atsma-Giyorgis,...

Bafana (circa 1834-1887? was the wife (1865-83) of King Menilek of Shawa, who later became Emperor Menilek II [ruled 1889-1913]. Backed by Emperor Yohannes IV [reigned...

Makonnen Wolde-Mikael (His Highness) (1852-1906).  Prince and Ras of Ethiopia, father of Emperor Haile Sellassie I is known in both Ethiopian and African history as...

Koli Tenguelle, a leading Fulani warrior and conqueror, was the founder of the Deniankobe dynasty which ruled the Futa-Toro (the valley of the Senegal River)...

Gueye Lamine (1891-1968) was a lawyer, teacher, magistrate and the most outstanding politician in “French-speaking” Tropical Africa from 1945 until his death. He was deputy...

Thomas E. Beysolow (1857-1949), jurist educator, author, reformer and renowned Liberian sociologist, was born at Gohn, Konneh, Ground Cape Mount County, a grandson of the...