Quote by Haile Selassie: “Freedom is never granted; it is won. Justice is never given; it is exacted.”

This powerful statement asserts that fundamental rights like freedom and justice are not gifts bestowed by others but must be actively fought for and taken. It highlights the necessity of struggle and relentless pursuit to achieve true liberation and fairness.

At the OAU's founding, many African nations had recently gained independence. Selassie's words resonated with the ongoing struggles against colonial powers and apartheid regimes, inspiring continued fight for self-determination.

Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974, who led his country against the Italian invasion and became a symbol of African independence and resistance to colonialism. His speeches to the United Nations helped shape the principles of the Organisation of African Unity, founded in 1963.