Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 2018/04/11

Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X remain very prominent African American individuals, even after their deaths.

They fought for what they stood for, but in many different ways.

King grew up in a middle class family and was well educated.

While, Malcolm X grew up in an underprivileged environment that was very hostile with barely any schooling.

Speaking to Radio Islam, researcher Vashna Jagarnath says Malcolm X spent six years in prison where he learnt about Islam.

“He talks very beautifully and movingly about his conversion to Islam, he completely transformed himself in prison.”

Malcolm X assumed the role of the leader of the “Nation of Islam” upon his release from prison in 1952.

Researcher Mikaela Erskog told Radio Islam that Martin Luther King Jr was part of a mass civil rights movement which was not often acknowledged.

“The Selma march would eventually end the voting rights act for black people, he was actually just part of a mass movement.”

Martin Luther King’s approach to civil rights and equality was non-violent protesting, speaking out for non-violence, passive resistance, and what he called, “weapons of love”.

However, Malcolm X’s approach to civil rights and equality was extremely different. He was suspicious of whites, willing to use “any means necessary” to achieve equality.

One example is the ‘March on Washington’, which portrays the different perspectives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X respectively.

The March on Washington took place on August 28, 1963 with over 20,000 people coming to march from Washington to the Lincoln memorial in Washington D.C.

This march happened to be one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s greatest accomplishments throughout his life.

Malcolm X had a different perspective regarding the march. He felt that integration would destroy the black and the white man and was of the opinion that American blacks should be more concerned with helping each other.

Listen to the full interview with Researchers, Mikaela Erskog and Vashna Jagarnath on Radio Islam- below: