1. MLK and Malcolm X

2. Background Martin Luther King Jr. Malcolm X
Faced instances of racism throughout childhood growing up in Atlanta
Very intelligent; enrolled at Morehead College at the age of 15
Became a minister to answer an intrinsic call to help people
Became widely known after organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Advocated for nonviolent, direct action to enact change within society
Assassinated in 1968 in Memphis
Life of poverty and violence
Father was murdered by white supremacists because of his black separatism views; he and 7 siblings sent to foster homes after this
While in prison in 1946, discovered religious sect, Nation of Islam, or Black Muslims, who advocated for the creation of a black nation completely self sufficient.
Converts to Islam and changes his last name to X to signify lost African heritage
Becomes national figure for Nation of Islam but becomes critical of group
1964: Travels to Mecca and sees racial unity at religious site- renounces all forms of racial hatred
Founds the Organization of Afro-American Unity
Many of Nation of Islam followers are outraged
Assassinated in 1965 by three assailants, two of whom were Black Muslim.

3. Stride Toward Freedom
Why does King use numerous allusions (lines 5-10) to open his essay?
How does King use logos to support his analysis of the approach of acquiescence?
Why does King chose not to include specific instances of violence being ineffective? What is he relying on instead?
How does King’s diction change in lines 34-48?
How does King persuade the audience to utilize the third approach to freedom?
King advocates for “a militant and nonviolent mass movement” (77). What does he mean by militant?
When does King present his thesis? Why does he chose this point in the text?
Why do King chose to end his essay with the message that he does? How is it influencing his argument?

4. Analytical Writing
How does Martin Luther King Jr.’s rhetoric compare to Malcolm X’s?
Evaluate the use of diction and appeals within your answer.