How did Malcolm X’s views on civil rights differ from MLK’s?

Malcolm X advocated for black nationalism and self-defence, while Martin Luther King Jr. promoted nonviolent protest and integration.

Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. are two of the most iconic figures in the American civil rights movement. However, their approaches to achieving racial equality were markedly different. Malcolm X, a member of the Nation of Islam, was a proponent of black nationalism. He believed that African Americans should separate from white society and create their own self-sustaining communities. He also advocated for self-defence in the face of racial violence, famously stating that civil rights should be secured "by any means necessary". This included the use of violence if necessary, a stance that was in stark contrast to King's philosophy.

Martin Luther King Jr., on the other hand, was a Baptist minister who drew on his Christian beliefs to advocate for nonviolent resistance. Inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, King believed that peaceful protest was the most effective way to bring about social change. He sought to end segregation through integration, arguing that African Americans should not separate from white society but instead strive to become equal members of it. King's approach was encapsulated in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, in which he envisioned a future where people would be judged not by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character.

While both leaders were fighting for the same cause, their differing views often led to tension. Malcolm X criticised King's nonviolent approach, arguing that it was too passive and allowed white oppressors to continue their abuse without consequence. King, meanwhile, disapproved of Malcolm X's separatist views, believing that they only served to further divide the races.

Despite their differences, both Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. had a profound impact on the civil rights movement. Their contrasting philosophies not only highlighted the complexity of the struggle for racial equality, but also provided different paths for African Americans to fight for their rights. Ultimately, their shared goal of achieving racial justice helped to shape the course of American history.