"This is a religious institution; it is a landmark here in Bed-Stuy, has been here about 15 years. It's a black institution, the only total black institution in the world," said Robert Mainott, a member of the Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I Church and a Bed-Stuy resident.
"The Lion of Judah is our symbol. This came out of Ethiopia, was given the authority by the Rastafarian leader from the mouth of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie. We are a part of the Imperial Ethiopian World Federation (IEWF). Once you're a member, you can utilize that umbrella and go anywhere, Jamaica, Trinidad, even America."
The last Friday of every month, from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I, located at 470 Gates Avenue (at the corner of Marcy Ave) opens up to the public to share a theology called Rastology.
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