A T-shirt with Menelik ||, Ethiopia, printed on it.

Menelik II (also written as Menilek; 1844-1913) became emperor of Ethiopia in 1889. After his army defeated Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa (also written as Adowa) in 1896, Ethiopia’s independence was recognized by Italy and other European countries that were colonizing Africa. During Menelik’s reign, Ethiopia remained independent, thanks in part to his strategic alliances. Success in battle and Ethiopia’s independence also made Menelik a powerful symbol for Black people worldwide. Menelik’s rule brought advances such as compulsory education, telephones and the telegraph to Ethiopia.