Malcolm X

Malcolm X

Evan Dumas     Dr. Davis

The Legacy of Malcolm X
As far as influential black leaders go, Malcolm X would most definitely be in the topmost group of individuals.   Right alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.,   Gen. Colin Powell, and Homey the Clown.   However, his methods differed greatly from the methods of those two, but he was greatly influential nevertheless.   He increased racial tension, whereas Martin Luther King attempted to decrease it, and preach equality.   This is probably the main reason that we celebrate Martin Luther King Day, and not Malcolm X Day, even though they both tragically died....(there's something to think about)

What set Malcolm apart ?

Undoubtedly, he had first-hand experience with oppression and racial inequality, but his methods varied immensely from that of those previously mentioned.   His checkered background, marred with drugs, violence, family problems, financial problems, promiscuity, robberies, and prison-time are what makes Malcolm X so dynamic, being able to rise up from the troubled youth he started out as, to the man he would later become.

Why was Malcolm X so influential ?

Malcolm X was probably the most   influential African-American in the 1960's.   This was the result of his inseparable connection with the average African-American.   He led the life that many young black men have led.   This enabled the public to really relate with him.   They knew exactly what he was talking and preaching about, because they faced the same exact thing themselves.  

What did Malcolm X preach?

Unlike the preachings of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X's sermons were quite different.   M.L.K. Jr.'s speeches were about equality, both civil and racial.   He wanted to have the same rights as the white man, as was guaranteed under the United States Constitution.   Whereas, Malcolm X believed that the black man was superior.   This was the result of the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the "Nation of Islam" in...