UNIT 5LESSON 2

Martin vs. Malcolm

Objectives

To explore the ideological and political development of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X through primary source documents .

To identify the various personal, social, and political factors that influenced Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X’s leadership .

To understand the opposing philosophies and tactics of King and X, as well as areas in which their ideas converged .

Warm Up

Which groups were at the forefront of the early civil rights movement? NAACP

CORESCLCSNCC

MartinLutherKing, Jr. Malcolm X

Brainstorm – What words/ideas come to mind?

Who Said It?

“I knew that I could never again raise my voice against the violence of the oppressed in the ghettos without having first spoken clearly to the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today – my own government.”

“I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values.”

"There is a magnificent new militancy within the Negro community all across this nation. And I welcome this as a marvelous development.

“The Negro of America is saying he's determined to be free and he is militant enough to stand up.”

“[D]on't let anybody frighten you. We are not afraid of what we are doing... We, the disinherited of this land, we who have been oppressed so long, are tired of going through the long night of captivity.”

“Black men have slammed the door shut on a past of deadening passivity.”

“You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.”

“We can never get civil rights in America until our human rights are first restored. We will never be recognized as citizens until we are first recognized as humans.”

“I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.”

“It is a disgrace for Negro leaders not to be able to submerge our “minor” differences in order to seek a common solution to a common problem posed by a common enemy.”

“I have been convinced that some American whites do want to help cure the rampant racism which is on the path to destroying this country.”

Who Said It?

Martin Luther King, Jr. Quotes“I knew that I could never again raise my voice against the violence of the oppressed in the ghettos without having

first spoken clearly to the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today – my own government.” 1967

“I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values.” 1967

"There is a magnificent new militancy within the Negro community all across this nation. And I welcome this as a marvelous development. The Negro of America is saying he's determined to be free and he is militant enough to stand up.“ 1963

”[D]on't let anybody frighten you. We are not afraid of what we are doing... We, the disinherited of this land, we who have been oppressed so long, are tired of going through the long night of captivity.” 1955

“Black men have slammed the door shut on a past of deadening passivity.” 1968

Malcolm X quotes“You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” 1965

“We can never get civil rights in America until our human rights are first restored. We will never be recognized as citizens until we are first recognized as humans.” 1964

“I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.” 1965

“It is a disgrace for Negro leaders not to be able to submerge our “minor” differences in order to seek a common solution to a common problem posed by a common enemy.” 1963

“I have been convinced that some American whites do want to help cure the rampant racism which is on the path to destroying this country.” 1964

Background

Malcolm Little 1925 – Omaha, NE Son of Baptist Preacher

who worked with UNIA Suffered thru Depression

Father killed white group Charity & welfare Mom committed White reform schools &

foster homes in Michigan “Trying so hard to be

white” Jail for burglary Nation of Islam =

Malcolm X

MLK, Jr 1929 – Atlanta Son of Baptist

Preacher who worked with NAACP

Survived Depression Mom & dad loving Black grade schools Morehouse College Baptist preacher Married, family

Late 50s-Early 60s: Contradiction

MLK, Jr SCLC Non-violent civil

disobedience Racial equality

“Letters from a Birmingham Jail” Activity

Malcolm X Nation of Islam Non-engagement Racial separatism

“Autobiography of Malcolm X” Activity

1963: Turning Point

Malcolm invites King to speak at Harlem rally “

Common solution to common problem”

Vocal critic when MLK doesn’t respond

March on Washington “I Have a Dream” MLK leading voice of

mvmt

1964-65: Convergence

Pilgrimmage to Mecca Changed man Founded OAU, aligned

with SNCC

Fear of one to promote the other

Malcolm X assassinated 1965 King sends

condolences to widow

Think-Pair-Share

In what areas did Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X’s ideas converge?

Shared dedication to struggleStrong black-run institutions in communities

could help achieve equal rights in political system.

X realized role of non-violent tactics in struggleKing realized militancy driven by positive racial

consciousness necessary for advancement.

1965-68: A New Direction

Stokely Carmichael & Black Power “What We Want” Activity

King assassinated 1968…movement splits, no leadership to guide through new legal rights.

Nation becomes caught up in Vietnam

Activities

Check for Understanding

Political Cartoon Analysis

Closure

How have your perceptions of Martin Luther King, Jr. or Malcolm X changed?

Credits

Stanford University’s King Institute Lesson Plan: Martin Luther King, Jr. and

Malcolm X: A Common Solution?   Clayborne Carson “The Unfinished Diaglogue”