Malcom X and Luther King (Essay Sample)

[Student's Name] [Professor's Name] [Subject Code and Title] [Date] Malcom X and Luther King American has raised great leaders who have had a huge impact on the social, economic and political growth of the region. However, two leaders have stood out for the efforts to end racism and oppression. This are Malcom X and Luther King. The two leaders strongly opposed the oppression of the people at a time when no out dared to challenge the government. The leaders are remembered in history for their hard work, courage and self-determination and saw the eras of oppression and preference depending on skin color come to an end. Though the two leaders emerged from different backgrounds, they are widely recognized for their influence in society. This paper will look at the contribution the two leaders made to the African American society. Martin Luther King and Malcom X were raised in distinct society setting and location. Martin Luther King was born and raised in a peaceful Christian family. He father was a preacher at the local Ebenezer Baptist church and this prepared him for his future activities. He was an intelligent young man who attended school at a young age. He graduated from high school at 15 years and then headed to Morehouse College. During this time, he experienced the oppression which the African American community went through. His eloquence helped him preach to his people in a bid to end the bad leadership and hatred shown to his community (Zolberg and Aristide 1841). Malcom was raised in a Ghetto setting. Unlike Martin Luther King who was raised in a loving family, Malcom X never experienced the strong family. His father was killed when he was only six years. This put her mother in a mental situation and could not raise their eight children alone. The poor parenthood motivated Malcom to get involved in crime activities and then indulged into hard drugs. At twenty one years, Malcom was sentenced to prison for his involvement in crime. While in prison, he started educating himself and it was then that he realized his great debating skills. He was less eloquent as compared to Martin Luther King who attended a modern class setting (McQuade and Atwan 154). Martin Luther King preferred a non-violent approach to protests unlike Malcom X believed that violence was the only solution to end racism. He urged his followers to protest with dignity and respect so that their plea could be heard. The non-violent approach aimed at creating empathy for the African American community. It was also aimed at pressuring the white legislators to implement new civil rights that championed for unity rather than oppression. Martin’s Luther’s philosophy was focused on integrating the two antagonizing communities without violence (Honey and Michael 273). Malcom preferred a violent approach to end the oppression faced by the black. He was an Islamic minister during his time and his teachings emphasized on separation between the whites and blacks. He blamed whites for being the reason why blacks were suffering under their rule. His approach was seen as harsh by his followers. He also blame...