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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  and Malcolm X are perhaps two of the most iconic African American civil rights leaders, however, history tends to pit the two men against each other. Even though MLK, Jr. and X had vastly different ways of fighting for freedom. There are principles where the two men found common ground on.
In his 'Letter From Birmingham Jail', MLK expresses his disappointment in his fellow Christians who are white. "I felt that the white ministers, priests and rabbis of the south would be among our strongest allies. Instead, some have been outright opponents, refusing to understand the freedom movement and misrepresenting its leaders;" (King, 703). Due to southern white religious leaders' lack of support for him and the civil rights movement, King feels betrayed and hurt. Rather than the outpouring of support he expected, he was met with silence, complacence, and leaders in the church who claimed that racial and civil injustice are, "with which the gospel has no real concern." (King, 604). Despite being an avid Christian and devoted to God, this had caused him to question the church, specifically questioning what kind of God are white Christians worshiping.

This questioning of the Christian faith by King is very similar to Malcolm X's views on Christianity. While in prison, X converted to Islam and, like King, had many critical things to say about the Christian religion in his book, "The Autobiography of Malcolm X". X expresses that there has been a historical pattern of white people using Christianity as a guise to colonize and oppress non-white cultures. He points out that while black men and women had been Christianity's most devout members, what had the religion ever really done for them? "The black man needs to reflect that he has been America's most fervent Christian -and where has it gotten him? In fact, in the white man's interpretation... where has Christianity brought this world?" (X, 581). X calls out the religion for not doing enough to combat racism, since so many of its followers are at the suffering end of it. He condemns the church for claiming to "sow racism" when in reality they "reap racism" (X, 581), turning black men away from the threshold of their churches because of the color of their skin.
It's on these grounds where the two leaders find common ground. Both point out their disappointment in the Christian church and its treatment of its black members. While it isn't out of character for X to be critical of institutions, especially Christianity, it was more of a radical move for King to openly criticize the church since he's an active Christian leader. X and King had different methods for going about getting civil liberties for African Americans, but both stood up for what they believed in and weren't afraid to call out corrupt and bias institutions when they needed to be called out.

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To this day, there have not been more influential individuals fighting for the cause than Dr. King and Malcolm X. While both men are well known, and have influenced the world since their initial movements, including Marvel’s Charles Xavier and Magneto from the X-Men, the two weren’t necessarily adversaries. Though King believed in making his movement in a peaceful manner and Malcolm X in a more violent and radical one, both wanted the equality of all people and justice for African-American people, which is something still being fought for to this day. In 2020, we all know of the event involving George Floyd, who was an African-American killed by police brutality, which many argued was because he was black. This incident spurred the current Black Lives Matter movement, which shows how the Civil Right movement isn’t over, but still evolving, as equality, despite both men’s efforts, has not been reached.

In King’s work “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, there are many good points that he made about how ridiculous it was that he was locked up and the way that the town and surrounding area had been acting towards African-Americans. Rather than accepting the outlawing of segregation, they were choosing to ignore it, and treating non-white people unfairly. King suggested that the African-American population’s ignorance of laws had been greatly exaggerated, spurred mostly by what he called his refusal to follow unjust laws. King defined unjust laws as “any law that degrades human personality,” though I feel that today that can be seen as somewhat radical. If people were to take that literally, it highlights a flaw, considering that any law can be perceived differently than intended. For example, in today’s world, there are many women facing the issue of how to handle abortions. In some states, the procedure is outlawed, yet if someone thought that not being allowed an abortion could be considered degrading to humans, they could choose to follow through with it, whereas the people who feel that it is immoral to get one will find themselves on the other end of the discussion. As there are two sides to this debate, neither side will feel the other is just, thereby suggesting that this idea can lead down a slippery slope as far as following the law.

In Malcolm X’s autobiography, I know one quote by heart, as it is written on the wall of my gym. He wrote “Anytime you find someone more successful than you are, especially when you're both engaged in the same business - you know they're doing something that you aren't.” This particularly resonates with me today, as it likely will for many people, as it shows that it doesn’t matter how successful you are, there is always room for improvement, and rather than envying the person who is better off than you, it might be better to ask their advice to open your mind to growth and potentially make a new ally, as well.

Malcolm X. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. New York: Grove Press, 1965. Print.

King, Martin L. Letter from the Birmingham Jail. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 1994. Print.

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Both Martin Luther King and Malcolm X expressed a sense of urgency of fighting for freedom and reconstructing political and economic beliefs that had been instilled in others during slavery. Although given their freedom, it was very apparent that this was only a stepping stone to a long battle in breaking the inferiority and superiority complex given during such times. King states, "Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation (King 601)."  Both King and Malcolm believed that through religion the world could find salvation and mercy but all parties but be accepting of their wrongdoings.
Malcolm, in his autobiography, states, "He will make use of me dead, as he had made use of me alive, as a convenient symbol of "hatred" -and that will help him to escape facing the truth that all I have been doing is holding up a mirror to reflect, to show the history of unspeakable crimes that his race has committed against my race (Malcolm 587)." Both King and Malcolm can see the white man trying to run from his truth; his reflection angering him of all his moral wrongs that cannot be escaped. Both King and Malcolm saw the revolting violence inflicted on their race in all forms but psychologically took different responses to how they should continue. In today's society, Malcolm's teachings and King's can be show in the Black Lives Matter movement. Although African Americans have fought for centuries for equality, it is still yet to be fully delivered. "Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifest itself, and that is what had happened to the American Negro. Something within has reminded him of his birthright of freedom, and something without has reminded him that it can be gained (King 601)." King reminds the masses that freedom is a birthright, not a privilege and should be treated as such. In his LEtter from Birmingham Jail he discusses just and unjust laws in which he believes there are certain laws that are to be followed and laws that only lead to further segregation and stagnation of the human race. He believes it is a responsibility for the people to protest, to march against unjust laws. This can be applied also the current political climate of the Roe vs. Wade, with protests increasing following morally unjust situations such as a 10 year old whom is pregnant following rape and is not allowed to get an abortion. Although the child is not fit to be a mother psychically, mentally nor financially, the religious agenda is still pushed as a means to oppress women yet again and push us back in time. It may be time for Malcolm's teachings along with King's to entice a civil war on a political structure that is becoming more and more unjust by the day. -Calista Bailey

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Hello everyone and Professor Shaw.

For this week’s discussion board, I will be discussing how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a radical, and how Malcolm X was reasonable and realistic. Both Dr. King and Malcolm X were very important figures during the civil rights movement key in representing justice for the Blacks. Despite their clashing course of actions, they both portrayed across the same message for the people, to the people keeping their candles of hope lit. Beginning with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King who talks about how the injustices have been solved. Dr. King states, “My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain in civil rights without legal and nonviolent pressure” (King 596). By saying this, he is trying to portray that only through “nonviolent” measures will they be able to move forward in civil rights and gain the justice they are seeking. By not following this course of action, changes in a positive manner will not be seen or will be made. Dr. King advocates a pacifist approach similar to Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and other great nonviolent leaders. On the other hand, Malcolm X takes a more reasonable and realistic approach as he talks about shaping lives. Malcolm X says, “I think, I hope, that the objective reader, in following my life- the life of only one ghetto-created negro- may gain a better picture and understanding than he was previously had of the black ghettos which are shaping the lives and the thinking of almost 22 million Negroes who live in America” (Malcolm X 585). Through this, Malcolm is essentially trying to voice out his wishes to people to follow his footsteps as a role model for fighting for rights and lives for the better. By seeing Malcolm X himself as an example, he is hoping that others are motivated to perform similar actions for the cause. There is an additional quote by Malcolm X where he talks about understanding each other is key to solving these injustices and helping us all to just be better humans. Malcolm X states, “We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience creates unity” (Malcolm X 578). Malcolm X is trying to express that by getting to understand each other it will create a better atmosphere for us all, “creating unity”. The only difference between the two great leaders that had the same message for the people was that Dr. King adapted to a radical approach, while Malcolm X continued with a realistic or more violent approach.

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The childhood of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X were vastly different, One lived in a very comfortable, mid-class home and the latter was in the worst of an underprivileged home. The former was highly educated and the latter learn on his own after what he had received in school.  Malcolm X did not belong to a well-known background but the Martin Luther king was from a family who was well-known in their area. Malcolm X experienced in his early life anger over witnessing his house being burned followed by his father being murdered, His mother suffered from trauma, and because of all this resulted in his family being split up on the other side Martin enjoyed his best life, especially in the presence of their loving parents. So basically based on their childhood and grownup (Class issues, educational opportunities, life in household comforts).  Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X  strived to steer equality among the Black and white society. these Civil rights leaders fought for what they stood for in lots of exclusive approaches. consisting, King stimulated the motion thru non-violence, while Malcolm X desired to react with a violent approach. the two men command what looked as if it would be diametrically opposing views on the struggle for equal rights, scholars say by the tip of their lives their ideologies were evolving. King was turning into a lot of militant in his views of economic justice for black individuals and a lot of vocal in his criticism of the warfare. Malcolm X, WHO had broken with the state of Islam, had dramatically modified his views on race throughout his 1964 pilgrim's journey to Mecca Both have Religious Influence Both men were ministers and had vital spiritual influence throughout the explanation for their lives and struggle. Dr. King was a reverend, and his support was for the most part supported the preaching of affection and tolerance as suggested within the Holy Bible, that resonated with the big majority of Christians in America and across the globe. On the opposite hand, Malcolm Little was a faithful Muslim minister himself, and he enjoyed huge support from the Islamic Group, particularly in his early stage. several critics believe that the spiritual divide was a major reason why Dr. King and Malcolm Little couldn't return to terms with operating along, despite sharing an equivalent vision for African Americans and Blacks generally. Even though each man was miles apart concerning formal education, it's evident that they each supported girls' education – and married educated women. Dr. King had a hydrogen ion concentration.D. from the capital of Massachusetts University, whereas Malcolm was a high school dropout.

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Hello everyone,

Malcolm X and Dr. Kings were the most dominant leaders of their era  in the civil rights movement and held a similar strong belief of believing black people deserved dignity and human rights as white people did.  The main idea of this discussion post will be focused around how Malcom X’s autobiography has many excerpts that are still worth striving for today. Malcolm X states “I saw that the best thing I could do was get hold of a dictionary-to study, to learn some words. I was lucky enough to reason also that I should try to improve my penmanship. It was sad. I couldn't even write in a straight line”(575). This is still a big issue in today's society, mainly in other third world countries like in Africa. In a country which has little to no education, it is very easy to control the people and that was what Malcom X was trying to express. Not knowing what to do or how to do anything, would lead to no jobs to provide stability in people's lives and this would then lead to violence. “The teachings of Mr. Muhammad stressed how history had been “whitened”-when white men had written history books, the black man simply had been left out” (577).  This can be interpreted in today's society as well and how the powerful can alter anything they want. This could be seen through the multiple wars that have passed and how the winner could just alter the details to fit their narrative better. While in today's world, this can be seen through China and North Koreas governments and how they keep their information tightly secured and only let out what they want the civilians to see and hear. For example, in many documentaries of North Korea many of its civilians think their leader to be a God and as a fair person but in reality, he treats his people poorly but the people do not know that because they have no education of outside countries and how their civilians are treated. In general Malcom X was ahead of his time and only wished best for his people even if they had to fight for it. Dr. King on the other hand wished for the same but he refused to use any forms of violence and performed peaceful protests. Thanks for taking the time to read my discussion post and stay safe.

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Hello Class and Professor Shaw,

Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr were two of the most influential leaders during the Black’s civil rights movement. They both advocated for black African Americans with different approaches.  On one hand, Malcolm x believes in equal rights and was willing to obtain it “by any means necessary”, even if it mean going to war. He insisted that African Americans should do whatever it takes to protect themselves against white aggression.  On the other hand, King Jr believes that a non-violent action and to confront the white population through peaceful speeches and protests by appealing to their sense of Christianity and sympathy for black race. King Jr states, “whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly” (King Jr 594). He urged that racial segregation need to stop. If the rights of one African Americans are violated, we should all take a stand to fight and stop the injustice before it spread like wildfire. Malcolm x method to end racial segregation was more effective than Dr. King Jr approached.

Dr. King had a radical thinking, he approaches the problems by finding the root cause of racial segregation and injustice. He then seeks to resolve problems based on basic principles and foundation structure. He wrote a letter from Birmingham jail expressing his frustration, which open the eyes of many white people. King Jr sates, “oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself, and that is what has happened to the American Negro” (king Jr 601). He knows there was no possible way to keep an African Americans from rising, which history has proven many times, much like Frederick Douglass. African Americans in the past started at a disadvantage in life, some mentally chained and some physically chained. However, despite their odds they were able to surpass white race. In today society racial segregation is more concealed, but still exist, white’s race without a doubt is given more privileges. In the meanwhile, African Americans are working twice as hard to get the same recognition and rewards.

Although, Dr King and Malcolm X had different approach fighting to end racial segregation and obtain human rights. They both agreed with the idea that church has become an irrelevant “social club” without any ethical principles. King Jr states, “If today’s church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for twentieth century” (King Jr 605). They refused black race from entering the church.  People all over the world was disappointed in the way church had turn out to be. It has lost it power and purpose in society and will need both the white and the black to repair the moral principles. Malcolm X was also disgust by the so called Christian white society. He urged them to “repent and atone” for the brutal act of enslavement of non-white all over the world.

Even though Malcolm x believes in a violent approach, he also believes that in order to stop racial segregation African Americans will need the white society help. Malcolm x states, “I knew better than most negroes, how many white people truly wanted to see American racial problems solved. I knew that many whites were as frustrated as negroes” ( X 584). He wanted to have white men standing with the black race, fighting for the African Americans rights and to end unequally treatment by other white. Dr. King Jr also agreed that if Americans going to be great the white society must knowledge the pain and the injustice for blacks. Furthermore, African Americans will need helps from the white’s race to obtain fundamental changes in society to eradicate racial segregation.

By Hugh Richards

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If you're discussing American civil rights today and who are historically the most notable, you would have at some point in life heard of Martin Luthur king Junior and Malcolm X. These two notable figures had impacts from the 1950s-1960's which have lasted to this day. Although the men had similar intentions which was equality among the races fighting for blacks to have equal opportunity as the whites did, the two went about it in their own way. The two men although with their differences were able to find some similarity. In his letter from Birmingham Jail, king wrote, “I am thankful, however, that some of our white brothers have grasped the meaning of this social revolution and committed themselves to it” (King 602). He understood that a man alone is not an island and that not only blacks lived in the America’s but to accomplish his goal he needed the help of the whites. He showed his appreciation for what the select whites did to help what he was trying to build. Malcolm X also came to a compromise and understanding that he also needed white to accomplish his goal for equality. Malcom wrote that, “I tell sincere white people to,” work in conjunction with us- each of us working among our own kind” (X 584) These ideologies from these two Brillant men are still relevant to this day because much like President Obama getting into office was not just on the backs of African Americans but also every other mass citizen which voted him into office. So, the relevance of these two men’s trends of thought is still relevant.

In saying all this, the two men’s approach were still separable before they got to this point. King had more of a subtle and more humane approach. He fought with words rather than acts of violence. He was very well thought out and strategic with his maneuvers. A reader would know this because he says, “In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification, and direction action” (X 595).

On the contrary, like his most notable quote states “By any means necessary”. Malcolm was cunning and straight to the point as can be. He believed that to get his point across and to attain equality and freedom for his people he had to do it in a violent fashion. This is where he and King disagreed in that regard. Although they both shared their opinions on how they felt about one another’s method of gaining success, history has told us that they only met once. Hence where the famous picture of them comes from.

Lastly, an idea from the excerpt of Malcolm X’s autobiography still worth striving for today is the concept of religion. This idea which I will present is very opinion based and subjective to your geographic location. Malcom Claims, “I believe that God now is giving the worlds so called “Christian "white society its last opportunity to repent and atone for the crimes of exploiting and enslaving the world’s non-white people” (X 581). Although this is put in a harsh way, indeed the Christian religion especially the church with all its riches should give reparations or aid to black households especially poor black families which have not recovered from slavery. The Christian/catholic church was one of the biggest powers at the time and did nothing to help other human beings being wrongly done. This statement still holds value because now you see all the different religions getting larger and larger and blacks more and more moving toward Islam especially those who go to prison. Malcolm himself is evidence of finding religion more so Islamic religion in prison. It seems like Islam did more for him than Christianity ever did. More to prove a point, it was a Christian man who killed Malcom and Dr. King. However, we will end this discussion with one of his other notable quotes, "the future belongs to those who prepare for it today". This is still relevant today because as a black man in America, apart from my actual passport to get here, education has always been my passport to progress in this society or even be considered part of the community.

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While Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and looked up to as a stoic leader, he also felt insubordination was necessary in order to accomplish his goals. This contradicted the more rational, intellectual, and peaceful demeanor he portrayed to the public. In, “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, the reader is shown that the radical side of King’s mentality is what empowered some of the most intense protests during The Civil Rights Movement. King, a self-proclaimed man of God, was willing to disrupt entire communities, break the law, and be arrested in order to fight for justice. He endorsed and assisted in the training of protesters to endure intense abuses and incarceration as well as organized protests that would create “non-violent tension” which would disrupt the functioning of an entire community. Such disruption would no longer allow the grievances of black people to be ignored.  “We bring it out in the open where it can be seen and dealt with…injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its’ exposure creates, to the light of human consciousness and the air of national opinion, before it can be cured.” (600) The need for the same form of protest has been used since the Civil Rights Movement and continues to be used today. A recent example would be the overturning of Roe v. Wade. On July 9 of this year, approximately 10,000 people marched to the White House in protest with some protestors tying themselves to the front gate of the grounds and risking arrest in doing so.

Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X seem to have a somewhat similar view on the power that religion had on influencing the fight for civil rights. While Malcolm X is Muslim and King a Christian, both men feel strongly that a solid spiritual bond in communities was important for supporting black Americans, combating racism, and promoting amity. Also, both men feel that the practice of organized Christianity in America at the time was severely lacking the strength needed to properly support the nation. In his autobiography Malcom X writes, “…if this so-called ‘Christianity’ now being practiced in America displays the best that the world Christianity has left to offer—no one in his right mind should need any much greater proof that very close at hand is the end of Christianity.” (581) In “Letter from Birmingham Jail”, Malcom X shares a similar sentiment as he discusses his profound disappointment in the Southern white Christians he encountered: “If today’s church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club…” (605)

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Both Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. were the most recognizable and probably brought the greatest awareness to civil rights and racial injustice more so than any other civil rights activists put together. Where they matched principles, wasn’t just in human rights and the fight against the American government, but also in education.

Malcolm X believed that “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” Although X graduated high school, he at one point dropped out due to racist discouragement by a bigoted white teacher telling X whose passion at the time was to become a lawyer, that practicing law was "no realistic goal for a nigger", which later made him feel as though the white world offered no place for a career-oriented Black man; he too wanted education as depicted when he wrote “Homemade Education,”.  X believed that being literate facilitates communication and written expression. Mr. X was very well articulated, speaking in such a way one that whites could always understand him and could never misconstrue. He stated that “Illiteracy can cause misunderstanding and resulting frustration for both the communicator and the recipient of the communication.” Malcolm X argued for the importance of literacy to express oneself effectively. Learning to read and write whilst incarcerated, showed him, how to be mentally alive in a way that changed his life forever. X even made sure to marry Betty Dean X, a woman with formal education in Nursing.

While Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was formally educated, having graduated both Morehouse College and Boston University and seminary school. King still felt as though colleges could produce 'close-minded, unscientific, illogical propagandists. In “The Purpose of Education”, King stated, “It seems to me that education has a two-fold function to perform in the life of man and in society: the one is utility, and the other is culture. Education must enable a man to become more efficient, to achieve with increasing facility the legitimate goals of his life.” King’s idea was that one could obtain “power and success by means of education”. He compelled all to reimagine what learning environments could do for a person. Knowledge alone was not enough; integrity and compassion should be integral parts of holistic learning. MLK felt that one shouldn’t be just merely educated in the classroom but also in life, such as morally and possess a sense of open mindedness to truly function throughout life successfully. He too was married to a well-educated woman named Coretta Scott King.

Samuel Theron

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Martin Luther King in his Letter from Birmingham Jail to the clergy, wrote that “I am thankful, however, that some of our white brothers have grasped the meaning of this social revolution and committed themselves to it” (602). Malcolm X in his autobiography expressed something similar. Malcom X wrote that, “I tell sincere white people to, “work I conjunction with us – each of us working among our own kind.” Let sincere white individuals find all other white people they can who feel as they do” (584). Both Martin Luther King and Malcom X realized that blacks need the aid of whites to fight racism. They both realized that they need aid from the very race that are fighting to secure their freedom from and not just financial aid.

Both expressed the importance of sincere whites educating and informing their brothers about equal rights to all men. Dr. King mentioned the importance of whites writing about the struggles of black people so that other whites are exposed to it. He also mentioned the importance of whites marching with blacks and sitting in protest. This in the long run will bring more whites to fight for civil rights because their number are currently too low.  Malcolm X mentioned that sincere whites should form all white groups in an attempt to “convert other white people who are thinking and acting so racist. Let sincere whites teach non-violence to other white people!” (584 ). This is another thing they agree on, whites teaching non-violence to other white people. Although, most would agree that this is a fundamental teaching of Dr. King.  One that Malcolm has criticized but is not a convert and ardent follower of.

Another thing that Martin Luther King and Malcom X has in common is their disappointment in the white church and its leadership. Dr. King wrote that, “I felt that the white ministers, priests, and rabbis of the South would be some of our strongest allies. Instead, some few have been outright opponents, refusing to understand the freedom movement and misrepresenting its leaders; all too many others have been more cautious than courageous and have remained silent behind the anesthetizing security of stained-glass windows” (603). And Malcom X mentioned that the greatest failure of the white church in America is its inability to combat racism. He mentioned that “Christian church sowed racism – blasphemously; now it reaps racism” (581).  We don’t need to look far today to see that the white church is still suffering from racism. Many of the January 6 rioter are self-proclaimed white evangelicals. They are using religion to justify the violent insurrection that is rooted in racism.

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While Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. were both broadly fighting for the same cause, they approached civil rights issues in two largely different ways. The Autobiography of Malcolm X and “Letter from Birmingham Jail” both offer a deeper look into why both men feel the way that they do, and also explain the steps they both plan on taking to achieve equality. While on the surface Malcolm X is generally perceived as radical, especially when compared to Dr. King, many of King’s ideas were obviously radical for the time and the letter suggests this. Early in the letter, King states this in reference to the Birmingham demonstrations, “It is unfortunate that demonstrations are taking place in Birmingham, but it is even more unfortunate that the city’s white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative” (King 595). King speaks in a way that is dark but truthful, he is not exclusionary like Malcolm X was, but evidently was bringing ideas that were quite radical for the time period to the table. Malcolm X was different in his approach as he believed that the black community needed to stand together first before allowing white people to aid in their cause. In an excerpt from his autobiography, Malcolm X writes, “Many black men, the victims–in fact most black men–would like to be able to forgive, to forget, the crimes. But most American white people seem not to have it in them to make any serious atonement–to do justice to the black man” (X 582). Statements like this one from Malcolm and the earlier one from King show different sides of them, but also bring them together in a way. Malcolm X doesn’t speak like black Americans want revenge on whtie Americans for the way that they have been treating them throughout history and well into the twentieth century, instead they want to find a legitimate way to progress. King doesn’t necessarily want revenge either, but he wants black Americans to be heard, and wants to see change happen in his lifetime by bringing anybody along that supports his vision. I think Malcolm X’s point on solidarity within the black community being a priority is a point that still is relevant today. While I do personally disagree with excluding non-black voices from taking charge in some respects, having a whole group of people with one common goal and real attempts to put things into motion is what is needed. As time goes on and things like online political discourse become more and more prevalent, it will only continue to be difficult to get everybody on the same page and flesh out a plan that will appeal to all aspects of the black community in America.

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Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) are both known for being significant leaders in the civil rights movement but they both had extremely different ideas. While Malcom X was a proponent for separatism (which eventually changed) MLK was about bringing American together. Despite the proverbial sides that each leader was on, both had ideas that stood the test of time or came to be a surprise to followers or readers in the future. Malcom X made predictions that hold true in American politics and MLK had made clams that are still hold truth today.	During Malcom X’s studies he wished that he could have become a linguist. Malcom discusses he love for language especially native African Languages like Swahili. Despite his love for these languages and the rise of equals rights for black Americans, native African Languages were not the ones Malcom had predicted were going to be the most influential. Malcom describes “Chinese will be the most powerful political language of the future” (X 586). While this quote has nothing to do with race in America, it is an accurate prediction for America today. Watching or listening to the news, China is the protagonist in many news stories, especially concerning the production of many US goods such as silicon computer chips. Because of the world reliance on computers, this prediction made by Malcom can not be ignored 60 years in the future. While China controls one of the world most valuable commodities it is important to be able to communicate to be able to maintain relations to purchase items as valuable as computer chips. Whiles Malcom X’s quote works well for global relations, MLK’s potentially radical statement has to do with race relations in American today. 	While MLK was in the Birmingham jail after being arrested for protesting the treatment of black Americans, he wrote about a group of people that other Americans should be afraid of. MLK said “the white moderate, who is more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice” (King 599). What makes this quote relevant to today’s America is the divisive topic of modern police brutality.  Many Americans believe the police or purposefully harmful of the black community while others believe the black community is not listening to police and simply need to comply with potentially false claims or morally wrong orders. MLK believes that people need to be weary of Americans who do not believe the behavior of the police should be looked into for the significantly higher rate of negative police interactions with black Americans because they believe that the problem is not with the system rather that it is with the people.

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Malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) are both known for being significant leaders in the civil rights movement but they both had extremely different ideas. While Malcom X was a proponent for separatism (which eventually changed) MLK was about bringing American together. Despite the proverbial sides that each leader was on, both had ideas that stood the test of time or came to be a surprise to followers or readers in the future. Malcom X made predictions that hold true in American politics and MLK had made clams that are still hold truth today.	During Malcom X’s studies he wished that he could have become a linguist. Malcom discusses he love for language especially native African Languages like Swahili. Despite his love for these languages and the rise of equals rights for black Americans, native African Languages were not the ones Malcom had predicted were going to be the most influential. Malcom describes “Chinese will be the most powerful political language of the future” (X 586). While this quote has nothing to do with race in America, it is an accurate prediction for America today. Watching or listening to the news, China is the protagonist in many news stories, especially concerning the production of many US goods such as silicon computer chips. Because of the world reliance on computers, this prediction made by Malcom can not be ignored 60 years in the future. While China controls one of the world most valuable commodities it is important to be able to communicate to be able to maintain relations to purchase items as valuable as computer chips. Whiles Malcom X’s quote works well for global relations, MLK’s potentially radical statement has to do with race relations in American today. 	While MLK was in the Birmingham jail after being arrested for protesting the treatment of black Americans, he wrote about a group of people that other Americans should be afraid of. MLK said “the white moderate, who is more devoted to ‘order’ than to justice” (King 599). What makes this quote relevant to today’s America is the divisive topic of modern police brutality.  Many Americans believe the police or purposefully harmful of the black community while others believe the black community is not listening to police and simply need to comply with potentially false claims or morally wrong orders. MLK believes that people need to be weary of Americans who do not believe the behavior of the police should be looked into for the significantly higher rate of negative police interactions with black Americans because they believe that the problem is not with the system rather that it is with the people.

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Hello Class and Professor Shaw,

In this week’s post I will discuss how Dr.King was a radical and how Malcolm X was reasonable and realistic. I think that Dr. King was much more radical than the history books in school taught us or even that we remember. King states, “My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain in civil rights without legal and nonviolent pressure”.  (596). This quote means that while being kind is wonderful and everyone should always be kind to one another, sometimes it doesn’t always bring about change. And their current tactics were not working. His strategy of a nonviolent process was an enlightened technique that would bring about change. The government at the time (and certainly still is today to an extent) had issues such as racism and economic issues. At the risk of sounding biased, when you examine Dr King’s thought process and actions, I believe he was nothing short of a genius. Dr.King being radical for a certain time in history didn’t necessarily mean it was a bad thing and that one should use violence; it just means that it’s the type of change the country needed at that time. It's sad to see how today he’s so widely celebrated throughout the world today, yet as a society we have failed him by not practicing his teachings.

Malcom X on the other hand, used much more reasonable tactics in order to fight for the same cause. Malcom was that of a hero who sacrificed his life for his people. Rather than use symbolism like Dr.King, he called the damage and the frustration of what was happening to black people like it is. The media actually painted him as radicalistic but that wasn’t the intent. Malcolm X states "I think, I hope, that the objective reader, in following my life- the life of only one ghetto-created negro- may gain a better picture and understanding than he has previously had of the black ghettoes which are shaping the lives and the thinking of almost 22 million Negroes who live in America.” (585). This means he hoped people would see him as an example of someone who is fighting for rights and shaping America and that it inspires others to do the same.

Although they both had the same message, they chose different strategies when one wasn’t working. At the end of the day, it’s all about perception.

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Neither Malcolm X nor Martin Luther King Jr. were as one-dimensional in their philosophies as they are often touted to be, being painted in broad strokes as a violent agitator and a peace-loving martyr respectively. MLK, for instance, is held in high regard for his notions of non-violence and commitment to peaceful protest, but though we may praise these traits today, they were contentious in his own time, and he was viewed as an extremist because of it. Many opposed his call for direct action and criticized him for not striving for simple negotiation. But King knew there would be no negotiation without direct action, and that he had to fight tooth and nail for the equality he wished for. He promoted building tension in communities through these protests, citing it as “necessary for growth”, and wasn’t afraid to break laws that he felt were unjust, such as segregation regulations (King 596). That King and his followers broke the law constantly is often overlooked as it doesn’t gel well with the image we have of him as an ambassador for equality, but it was an essential part of his strategy.

Aside from these details, King also held certain beliefs that not only were radical for the time, but also strike a nerve even today. MLK was quick to criticize the police and call them out for their deplorable behavior, saying, “I doubt that you would so quickly commend the policemen if you were to observe their ugly and inhumane treatment of Negroes here in the city jail”, and contrasting it to their supposed goal of preventing violence. He states that the police aren’t the protectors of justice they pretend to be, but that they instead “preserve the evil system of segregation” and “maintain the immoral end of racial injustice” (606). This topic is a point of controversy to this day, as discourse continues over how systemic racism affects the police system and to what extent. According to King, there is no question that the system has been overtaken by racial discrimination and that the media turns a blind eye to it.

Meanwhile, Malcolm X, even in his Nation of Islam days where his philosophy surrounding black and white relations was the most inflammatory, never advocated for direct violence. He instead promoted black nationalism and community, and only endorsed any kind of violence in self-defense to protect oneself from harm. The insistence that Malcolm X was dangerous and violent was an elaborate (and unfortunately successful) smear campaign used to discredit him and his beliefs, one that he was all too aware of. Malcolm writes in his autobiography, that when he is dead, “the white man, in his press, is going to identify me with ‘hate’. He will make use of me dead, as he has made use of me alive, as a convenient symbol of ‘hatred’ (Malcolm X 587).

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Malcolm X and Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. are easily two of the most influential figures of the civil rights movement of the 20th century. Both men were leaders, though fighting for the same outcome, through very different movements. Martin Luther King was the first president of the Southern Christian leadership conference and Malcolm X was a minister and national spokesperson for the Nation of Islam. Both men were similar in their desire for change, but very different in their approach at challenging racial injustice and inequality in the United States. Malcolm X was the first person or activist to really put “”Black Lives Matter” into a deeper and definite meaning and a movement that has inspired many to come after him. Martin Luther King was and is still a global political mobilizer in which he expressed the idea of racial justice globally. Two different approaches to the same goal: one building on personal identity and the other expressing that identity to have it recognized by a system that has been set up to ignore black voices. These differences are ultimately differences of tactics and strategy rather than goals. Malcolm X stated, “Anything I do today, I regard as urgent” (584). Malcolm X knew that his life became a target as soon as he stood up for what he believes in, as well as his fellow mans life, and all the lives of those who stand with him. Despite the risks, the strength of the protest is worth the risks and the fight for freedom, over anything else. King’s approach is slightly different, despite the still know risk of his life at stake for his movement. King states, “Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to control the issue” (King 596). His movement came from a constant struggle from his upbringing of trying to get action through negotiations through his philosophy of nonviolent action in which he showed through sit-ins, marches, etc. Both men are inspiring and forever will be despite their differences, because in the end their goals are the same and that goal will forever be one we seek until there is no question and no doubt that we reached it.
- Tyler Chita

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Malcolm X and Martin Luther King had very different ideals when it came to civil rights. Malcolm X believed in violence during the Black civil rights movement. His most famous quote, “By any means necessary.” In this quote he is saying that African Americans should achieve their freedom by doing each and everything they must do to be free. X was adamant about using violence because he thought that being nonviolent was surrendering to the White America. He also believed in Black Nationalism. Which is defined as, advocacy of or support for unity and political self-determination for black people.

Which is why I believe Malcolm X’s philosophies were more attainable. He believed that it was necessary for African Americans to come together first before trying to assimilate with White people. He states, “Why Black Nationalism? Well, in the competitive American society, how can there ever be any white-black solidarity before there is some black solidarity?” (X, 583) In Which I agree with because how can a minority race try to unify with a race that has successfully separated themselves from without unifying first? It is a key component to integration.

While Martin Luther King performed and encouraged nonviolence such as sits ins, marches, and speeches. MLK was still a successful civil rights leader. He disagreed with segregation which would be considered radical for this time. Since a vast majority of white people believed segregation was necessary.  It was a difficult but also significant fight that he fought for African Americans. He did not agree with X’s violent ideology. King states, “I am grateful to God that, through the influence of the Negro church, the way of nonviolence became an integral part of our struggle. If this philosophy had not emerged, by now many streets of the south, would, I am convinced be flowing with blood.” (King, 601) In this quote he is saying that the struggle of using nonviolence is ultimately successful because it would prevent more bloodshed from occurring in the south. Where a large majority of killings of African Americans was happening.

Malcolm X was reasonable and realistic when it came to African American civil rights rather than MLK. MLK and Malcolm X both agreed that this country did a disservice to their African American people. I think it is important to note that both of these African American civil rights activists were successful. Despite the fact that they had a rather different approach to gaining equality for African Americans.

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Malcolm X had led a life in which he experienced racism first hand almost every single day. His understanding and his passion about how important it was to inform the nation about the truth and trauma behind segregation and racism and civil rights, or at this time, the lack there of, was what drove his movement. Malcolm X knew the risks of his movement and knew that in attempting to abolish segregation with his own hands (or voice) put a target on his back and every day could have possibly been the last. Malcolm X stated, "Anyway, now, each day I live as if I am already dead, and I tell you what I would like for you to do. When I am dead -- I say it that way because from the things I know, I do not expect to live long enough to read this book in its finished form..." (587). His movement was his life or death moment in which he believed the outcome of his efforts and the efforts of many before and after him were more important than him living to see it through, and his struggles and his passion will always be remembered, especially through his autobiography. Throughout his autobiography we see his changing views of the racial problem's within America and how they reflect the development of his character and who he became. His whole philosophy began from experience in the ghettos of Boston and New York in which he first developed the idea that black people should not accept help from white people. Through this we first initial philosophy we see development in this idea in which expands to his idea that blacks will be successful in their struggle for equal rights if, and only if, they identify with oppressed people all across the globe. This idea is a big one that I think is 100% worth still striving for today because as a whole, as a nation, if one oppressed group separates themselves from others, isn't that still segregation to an extent? Isn't that still a divide in nations that we have been and still are striving to mend? Without the help and the influence, and the understanding of other oppressed nations and groups, how is one group supposed to merge together will all to form the nation we so strive for?

Gracie Ross

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Dr King was more radical than perceived because he wanted to create tension between the government and the African American in a force and direct action. This is because the years of slavery and no real civil right progress. He said “My friends, I must say to you that we have not made a single gain in civil rights without determine legal and nonviolent pressure” (King Jr 596). This has taken years to take a stance that has not happen in years. He was tired of the killings that has been happening to the black men and women, that were not treated fairly. The time was now and to stop every segregation once and for all. He felt the pain of his brothers and sisters dying without being treated as real people, without civil rights and lynching. This was too much to see innocent black people die or not have the right to places because it is only for white people. This is bad for the children who would are growing up because nigger. King has stated that “When you have to to concort an answer for a five year old son who is asking, “Daddy, why do white people treat colored people so mean?” This shows that King does think about the children’s future and how it can be better by standing up and to have nonviolent pressure towards the government. If segregation keeps continuing then the lives of many African Americans will suffer more and will take longer to earn civil rights.  The ideas that is still continued into today is protesting in a non-violent action. The reason is if the people protested in a violent way, then there will be a lesser chance of desegregation. The white people would have been less likely to given help out the African Americans. This is helped gain votes towards the end of the segregation and civil rights. Today, it helped spread the BLM movement and where everyone else protested peaceful and non-violent. It had impact on the George Floyd case to get what he has truly deserved from the police officer murdering him. I would pefer this because there has been times where no pressure towards the government has not many any significant changes at all.  The only real progress is adding the pressure and doing it in a peaceful way. Rather than hoping and waiting out to earn trust. The constant pressure is the way things are done.

-Christian Estefani

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Even though Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were fighting for the same cause, history has created a false narrative as far as how they both believed in fighting the unjust and unfair treatment of African Americans. Both outspoken civil rights activists had similar principles that made their personal beliefs and tactics coincide with how they chose to promote the arduous and dangerous battle of the civil rights movement. In their writings, both men stressed the need for urgency in the battle for desegregation. They both knew that their causes had to have a concrete plan for action and provide proof that these plans were justified with verifiable facts.

Malcolm X’s upbringing and life choices led him through a life where he was in constant contact with racism. Therefore, he knew how desperate the situation was to make sure that all Americans knew how severe and evil segregation and lack of civil rights were for African American citizens, young and old. In his autobiography, he says “Anything I do today, I regard as urgent” (Malcolm X 584). He knows that his life is at stake, as well as his fellow men, the stronger they protest and stay in the battle for freedom. Dr. King’s urgency comes from the constant struggle to get direct action through negotiations with no support, hence his philosophy of non-violent direct action through sit-ins and marches. He justifies this urgency by stating “Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to control the issue” (King 596). Both men tried desperately to use non-violence and education to get their messages across, but eventually, they knew time was running out, as more people of color were being killed for no other reason than being black or brown.

Both leaders also knew to be heard and create positive action among the American people, they required a solid plan that was validated with facts. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. summarizes this impeccably when he is justifying why he was protesting in Birmingham- “In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist: negotiation; self-purification; and direct action” (595). Regarding Malcolm X having a plan, he knew from his upbringing among the Black Nationalist teachings that there needed to be Black unity before there could ever be white-Black unity. He believed that the Black Nationalist philosophies were the perfect plan to “instill within Black men the racial dignity, the incentive, and the confidence that the Black race needs today… (583). He also knew that he needed to soften his image, which he does by traveling the world and realizing that racism is a social evil not just dedicated to the white man.

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Both MLK and Malcom X were major figures in the civil rights movement and for the justice of African American people in the middle of the 20th century. First let me start off by reading a quote that I found from Malcolm X to MLK, Malcolm stated, "I'm throwing myself into the heart of the civil rights struggle". King was now aware of what Malcolms ideas were even if he didn't totally agree with how he would partake in this action. I believe that King contradicts his main ideas and overall thesis with this quote that I found in Letter from Birmingham Jail, But now I must affirm that it is just as wrong, or even more so, to use moral means to preserve immoral ends. ” (King 596)  In my opinion doesn't this mean to go against a so called code of ethics and beliefs that MLK had once stood for? He was speaking toward the white community and how using moral ideas couldn't be the justifiable reason behind their blatant discriminatory actions. Looking back on the history and going through the two articles I believe that MLK and Malcolm X played each others alter ego. While Malcolm was a "by any means necessary", MLK wanted no violence and wanted to peacefully protest, possibly showing the mainstream white community that this was who and what the African American community truly wanted.
In Malcolms Excerpt there are a lot of deep quotes that go beyond the words on the paper. One that really stuck out was this quote on love, understanding, and unity. He states, “We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity” (Malcolm X 578). This still holds true to this day, as we know there is still racism and discrimination all around us, while more hidden then it was in the sixties, it still exist. Getting to understand each other and what makes each person a true human being will help us understand that we are all the same beautiful humans. This is something that Malcolm preached in the sixties, as well as MLK. Malcolm, on the other hand, was willing to put his words on the line with violence if the white man was unwilling to look at African Americans as human beings.

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, the two most famous African-American civil rights activists of all time, in many ways had opposing philosophies. While Malcolm X was a black nationalist and separatist, King advocated for integration and a nonviolent approach to resistance. Of the two, King is generally seen as more successful because his strategies were arguably more palatable to white people. Malcolm X regularly criticized King for what he saw as submission to the oppressor. However, these characterizations of the two figures are also reductive, distilled down in the popular imagination to obfuscate their complexities.

In this week’s discussion post, I ask you to consider the following questions:

In what ways was Dr. King more radical than he is generally perceived? Which ideas in “Letter from Birmingham Jail” could still be contentious today?

On which principles did the two men agree? Please go deeper than “they both believed black people deserve dignity and human rights.”

Which ideas from the excerpt of Malcolm X’s autobiography are still worth striving for today?

Include at least one quotation from each author in your post. You do not have to answer all three questions; they are simply intended as food for thought. The goal here is to find evidence that contradicts the popular characterizations of both figures. In other words, how was King a radical, and how was Malcolm X reasonable and realistic? Reminder that your initial post needs to be 400 words to receive full credit.