preview

Malcolm X: A Civil Rights Activist

Decent Essays

Malcolm X a civil rights activist in the 1950s and 1960s took a stand for African Americans by taking a more confrontational approach in his activist speeches and writings, these actions influenced the lives of many African Americans with black nationalism and encouragement to fight for their civil rights. Malcolm X connects to the theme taking a stand by taking initiative and coming up with his own civil rights movement. Malcolm X was different from other civil rights activists because he believed in fighting back physically but that changed later on when he visited Mecca where he met other Muslims which changed his views. According to (www.biography.com) Malcolm X became the minister of temple no. 7 in Harlem after being released from prison. …show more content…

He said, “Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts a hand on you, send him to the cemetery…if we react to white racism with a violent reaction, to me that’s no black racism. If you come to put a rope around my neck and I hang you for it, to me that’s not racism. Yours is racism, but my reaction has nothing to do with racism.”Malcolm was critical of the non-violent tactics, supporting the right of self-defence. He said, “Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts a hand on you, send him to the cemetery…if we react to white racism with a violent reaction, to me that’s no black racism. If you come to put a rope around my neck and I hang you for it, to me that’s not racism. Yours is racism, but my reaction has nothing to do with racism.” (Hamilton). This is exactly what Malcolm X believed in. Malcolm wasn’t like other civil rights activist Malcolm had a “By any means” approach to racism, he would use self defense if he had to. Malcolm took a stand for all African Americans and fought for civil rights equality by leading huge rallies and preaching about what he wanted most which was equality. Malcolm got his point across and was well respected, he was fortunate enough to have a successful movement that lasted until February 21, 1965 due to Malcolm being gunned down. “As Malcolm X led a mass rally in Harlem on February 21, 1965, rival black muslims gunned him down”(www.biography.com) .”...Malcolm X—realised after his suspension from the Nation of Islam—as it created jealously and rivalry within the organisation”(www.historynewsnetwork.org). This caused Malcolm X to be gunned down and later pronounced

Get Access