Similarities Between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And Malcolm X

When you hear of the Civil Rights movements two influential leaders come to mind- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Both had a significant impact in the movement of equality for African Americans but had very different approaches. Malcom X is known his fiery personality and passionate and his aggressive methods for achieving equality. His outspoken ways are what rose him to fame and why is he still talked about today. He believed in African Americans defending themselves against white aggression. This paper will provide insight into his history and background, his civil rights efforts, and how he changed the world for African Americans. Malcom X was born as Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska and was one of eight children.

He worked with Elijah to spread the word of the Nation of Islam and to inspire a black movement. In 1960, Malcolm X created a newspaper called Muhammad Speaks in order to continue to spread the message of the Nation of Islam (biography.com). Malcolm’s message transformed into telling African Americans that they did not have to accept racism and encouraged them to fight back. He believed that “You don’t have a peaceful revolution…there’s no such thing as a nonviolent revolution” (Biography.com). This is the distinguishing and differentiating factor between Malcom X and other Black rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King believed in non-violent protests and a non-violent approach to achieving equality. Malcolm X believed in fighting back and doing any necessary means to have their voices heard and their point made. He believed in taking stand and fighting violence with violence. Dr. Martin Luther King disapproved in Malcolm aggressive and violent approach and even stated that “I feel that Malcolm has done himself and our people a great disservice” (Biography.com). Both leaders were influential and necessary for the Civil Rights movement but disagreed on which method was the best for achieving

When he arrived back in the United States he had a more peaceful mindset and peaceful approach to solving the problem of racial inequality in the United States (Biography.com). He claimed that “America is the first country that can actually have a bloodless revolution” (Biography.com). His whole mindset changed and he went through an ideological transformation. He wanted to shift his approach to the Civil Rights Movement to a peaceful resolution instead of resorting to violence like he had encouraged in the past. Just as he was on the brink of a complete Civil Rights Movement revolution he was assassinated. Malcolm had been receiving threats ever since he left the Nation of Islam and rarely ever traveled without bodyguards. Malcolm’s enemies were finally able to target him at the Manhattan’s Audubon Ballroom where Malcolm was supposed to deliver a speech on February 21, 1965. He was shot by three gunman fifteen times at close range. It was later determined that the three assassins were members of the Nation of