Comparing and Contrasting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & Malcolm X

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Numerous leaders have made tremendous impacts throughout the history of the world. In this essay, I will compare and contrast the lives and philosophies of civil rights activists Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were prominent leaders during the Civil Rights Era. They both had very different philosophies and methods on the racial emancipation of African-Americans. Despite their differences, they shared a common goal to live in a society with equal opportunity and a world free of segregation. Many of the ideas and beliefs of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X stem from their upbringing and their religious beliefs. Dr. King grew up in a privileged home while Malcolm X did not. Both of their fathers were Baptist preachers, but the experiences in each one of their lives shaped the way they went about making changes within American society. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. grew up in a privileged home with both of his parents. He graduated from high school at the age of fifteen and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Morehouse College (Bennett). Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a very powerful man in the African American community. His messages were spiritual, and his main concern was going about making changes with peace. Dr. King was a transformational leader who positively influenced his followers to bring about change to various conflicting situations. He transformed and encouraged his group of followers to challenge the status quo in hopes of making a significant change in the world. Although Dr. King had many supporters, especially poor African Americans, he struggled to gain the support of the working, middle-class African Americans. In the book From Civil Rights..., Jackson argues that Dr. King's philosophy was not radical enough to bring about significant change in the economic and social status of African Americans. Malcolm X, on the other hand, was a radical leader who believed in using any means necessary to bring about change. He was a charismatic speaker who advocated for black nationalism and self-defense. Malcolm X was a transformational leader who inspired his followers to take action and fight for their rights. He believed that African Americans should be proud of their heritage and culture and should not assimilate into white society. Malcolm X's message was not only about racial equality but also about economic and social justice. He believed that African Americans should control their own communities and businesses. Malcolm X's message was appealing to many working-class African Americans who felt left out of the mainstream civil rights movement. In conclusion, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were two prominent leaders who had different philosophies and methods on the racial emancipation of African Americans. Dr. King believed in non-violent resistance and peaceful protests, while Malcolm X believed in using any means necessary to bring about change. Both leaders shared a common goal of living in a society with equal opportunity and a world free of segregation. Their legacies will continue to live on for generations to come. Works Cited Bennett, Lerone Jr. What Manner of Man: A Biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. Chicago, Illinois: Johnson, 1964. Print. Cone, James M. “The Impact of a Cultural Revolutionary.” The Christian Century. 30 Dec 2000: 1189-1195. Print. Jackson, T.

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