Civil Rights – MLK Jr. Vs. Malcolm X Mr. Williamson Somerville High School US History II

MLK Quotes “It is obvious today that America has defaulted on the promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked ‘insufficient funds’. But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.” – “I Have a Dream Speech” – August 28 th, 1963

Malcolm X Quotes “Our goal is to bring about the complete independence of people of African descent here in the Western Hemisphere, and first here in the United States, and bring about the freedom of these people by any means necessary.” – In a speech announcing the formation of the Organization of Afro-American Unity, June 1964

MLK Quotes “Violence is not going to solve our problem. And in his litany of articulating the despair of the Negro without offering any positive, creative alternative, I feel that Malcolm [X] has done himself and our people a great disservice….urging Negroes to arm themselves and prepare to engage in violence, as he has done, can reap nothing but grief.” – In an interview with Alex Haley, January 1965

Malcolm X Quotes “Everytime I hear Martin [Luther King] he’s got a dream. And I think the Negro leaders have to come out of the clouds, and wake up, and stop dreaming and start facing reality.” – In a speech to Mississippi teenagers visiting Harlem, 12/31/1964

MLK/Malcolm X Dialogue Activity Read the document handouts (B-K) with your assigned partner. READ OUTLOUD! The quotes of MLK/Malcolm X will describe their positions on Civil Rights and how to best achieve their goals. After reading each document, create a DIALOGUE between these two men as they discuss their similarities/differences in their methods toward civil rights. Utilize the document subjects to fuel your writing. Dialogues should be at least 2 pages long and will be presented tomorrow before our test review. Assignment is worth 16 points, you have the remainder of class to work on it. Must be completed when you enter tomorrow. Reference the rubric for grading.