Malcolm X And Mlk Research Paper

Influential Leaders: Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.

In the 1960s, arguably one of the most important movements in the history of the U.S. sprouted. The Civil Rights Movement was created in the ‘60s to advocate for the fair treatment of African Americans in the U.S. However, a movement like this needs organization and cooperation. Leaders Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) stepped up to fill the roles of leaders in this movement. Malcolm X and MLK pushed for the same goal, to stop racial injustice. Acknowledging these two leaders' differences will highlight Malcolm X’s and MLK’s unique characteristics and ideologies.

The biggest difference between Malcolm X and MLK was their upbringings. According to “Civil Rights Leaders: Martin Luther King Jr.”, Dr. King grew up in a loving home and safe environment. MLK also skipped two grades in high school and attended college at 15. This contrasts Malcolm X’s childhood, which was filled with constant harassment by white supremacists and hate groups. When Malcolm X was 4 years old, the KKK smashed all of his family’s home windows, which led them to move to Michigan. Mr. X was orphaned as a result of his father being

Malcolm X was a Muslim and followed Islam while MLK was a Christian. Dr. King was also a believer in non-violent protesting, such as boycotting and marching. Malcolm X believed that equality and justice should be achieved “by any means necessary,” which included violence. According to “Only Photo of King-Malcolm X Meeting Reminds Us Of What Was Lost,” Malcolm X criticized MLK by saying he was teaching them to be defenseless against white people. Malcolm X also believed that black people should build their own social structures and create their own groups. MLK believed in integration, which is the combining of all races as equals. Using this information, it is clear that MLK and Malcolm X have a vast difference in