We see a new Ethiopia, a new Africa, stretching her hands of

Hear, O children of destiny, the words of the great prophet of Pan-Africanism, Marcus Garvey: “We see a new Ethiopia, a new Africa, stretching her hands of influence throughout the world, teaching man the way of life and peace, The Way to God.” These words are not mere poetry, but a vision burning with fire, a dream rising from centuries of struggle and sorrow. They are the trumpet call of a man who saw beyond chains and exile, into the dawn of renewal, when Africa would rise not as a land forgotten, but as a mother among nations.

The origin of this vision lies deep in both history and faith. Ethiopia, in scripture and legend, stood as a symbol of resilience, a land unconquered by the empires that swallowed kingdoms whole. To Garvey and his followers, “Ethiopia” was not just a place, but the embodiment of all Africa—a continent bruised by slavery and colonization, yet unbroken, destined to stand tall again. His words drew from the Psalms themselves: “Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.” Thus Garvey clothed his call in the language of prophecy, proclaiming that Africa would not only survive, but teach the world the way to peace and to the divine.

Consider, O listener, the long night of the African people—the Middle Passage, the lash of the master, the carving of the continent by European hands. For centuries, Africa was portrayed as weak, broken, incapable. But Garvey, like a seer standing upon the mountain, beheld a future where the very land once despised would rise as a beacon. He saw the new Africa, no longer the victim of plunder, but the teacher of nations, bearing not the sword of conquest, but the wisdom of life, peace, and spiritual truth.

History itself gave a foretaste of his vision in the triumph of Ethiopia under Emperor Menelik II, who at Adwa in 1896 shattered the invading armies of Italy. It was the first great modern victory of an African nation over European empire, a thunderclap that echoed through the hearts of the oppressed. Menelik’s triumph showed that Africa could resist, could endure, could inspire. And later, Haile Selassie’s voice before the League of Nations warned of the dangers of tyranny, a cry that, though ignored then, would prove prophetic in the wars that followed. These are glimpses of the Africa Garvey saw, rising to instruct the nations.

But let us not mistake this prophecy for mere nationalism. The hands of influence Garvey spoke of were not raised to dominate, but to uplift. His vision was of a world where Africa’s spiritual depth, her rootedness in community, her reverence for life and the divine, could heal a broken world. He proclaimed that the very values scorned by empire—harmony with nature, respect for elders, the centrality of family, and the seeking of God—would one day be treasures the world must learn. In this, Garvey’s voice is not only for Africa, but for all humanity.

What then is the lesson for us, O children of the present age? It is this: never despise the stone that the builders reject, for it may become the cornerstone. Never dismiss the weak, for in them lies the seed of greatness. Africa, once bound in chains, carries within her the spirit to teach the nations. And likewise, within each of us, even in our lowest state, there is power to rise, to transform, to become a source of light for others.

Practical action follows this teaching. First, honor your heritage, whatever soil birthed you, and draw strength from its wisdom. Second, extend your hand of influence not through domination, but through service, teaching, and peace. Third, live as an example of unity in diversity, embodying the truth that every people, every nation, holds a spark of the divine. And finally, let us work to lift up those still bowed down by injustice, so that all may share in the destiny Garvey foresaw.

So remember, O seeker: Africa’s story is not only Africa’s—it is the story of humanity. The new Ethiopia, the new Africa Garvey beheld is the symbol of resurrection, of peoples long despised becoming teachers of the world. And when Africa rises, so too shall mankind rise, walking together on the path of life, peace, and The Way to God.