Martin Luther King Jr vs. Malcolm X

Obj: Evaluate two different approaches taken by two different leaders to attain civil rights during the 1950s and 1960s.

TS: Explicitly assess information and draw conclusions.

Hook: Brainstorm at least three impressions regarding both Malcolm X and MLK on the board using a T Chart & quotes

Activities:

  1. View clips of interview of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. ( AND
  2. View clip of non-violence pleas by MLK during MBB.
  3. Using cut-ups, have students put their given characteristic on the appropriate spot on the board. (Master included)

Close:

Why do we revere MLK more than Malcolm X? Did MLK achieve more? Is the “establishment” afraid of highlighting Malcolm X’s ideas?

Materials:

  • Web addresses
  • Master of cut-ups
  • Cut-ups (cut-ups below; underlined are categories and MLK and MX headings at end)
  • Background info for teacher to lead discussion during close

Religion: Describe the religious outlookof King and Malcolm X

Approach to Civil Rights/ Equality for Blacks:Describe the methods each leader used to instruct his followers when fighting for equal rights?

Key Events: List a number of the events of the life of each person that were instrumental in making a person a leader.

Death: Desribe the circumstances of the deaths of King and Malcolm X

Early Life : What events in the youth and early adulthood of two men determined their destiny?

Effects: Describe the effects each leader had on the Civil
Rights Movement and the
perception of blacks in
America.

Southern Christian. He was a Baptist minister.

  • Non-violent protesting.
  • Speaking out for non-violence
  • Ghandi
  • Use what he called "Weapons of love" & Soul Force

  • Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955)
  • March in Washington (1963)
  • Won the Nobel Peace prize in 1964.

  • April 4th, 1968
  • Death caused violent riots by blacks across the nation.
  • "I have been to the Mountain Top speech" predicted his death one day before.

  • Decided to go into the ministry. Attended MorehouseCollege (GA)
  • Montgomery Bus boycott put him as leader of the movement.
  • Perception has changed towards
    larger freedom.
  • His death led to passage of civil rights legislation (1968)
  • Gave people strength and courage.

Influenced by the teachings of Mohammed. Became a musilm after spending time in jail.

  • Suspicious of whites; willing to use "any means necessary" to achieve equality.
  • Was a segregationist; though his pilgrimage to Mecca softened his views.

  • Joined Black Muslims under Elijah Mohammed.
  • Travelled the world to learn about other black cultures.

  • Assassinated by members of the Black Muslim movement.
  • Many scholars believe in a international conspiracy as he represented a threat to the Black Muslims after breaking with Elijah Mohammed.

Imprisoned for drug use and distribution. Led to a conversion to spirituality.

Encouraged protest and instilled black pride.

Leader

Question:

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Malcolm X