Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered as a Christian man of peace. So much so, that he received the Nobel Peace Prize. He is considered a prominent leader of the civil rights movement. King demonstrated valiant restraint and an immovable non-violent disposition even when others were egregiously violent with him. His efforts were the catalyst for changes in the law and integration. Today his legacy is celebrated all over the world. His dream of integration still compels people to make efforts to be amicable with people different from themselves.
Malcolm X was a Muslim man of peace but was intolerant with those who were violent with him. He demonstrated noteworthy self-control as well and believed in adherence to the law and its enforcement. Like King, Malcolm X further believed that he had the right to public protest. He understood his obligation to protect his family, and fellow brothers and sisters had to be upheld by any means necessary. Minister Malcolm was also very instrumental in the Black community. Malcolm X encouraged Blacks to be proud and demand respect. He thought it was more important to direct our energies toward strengthening our own communities rather than trying to integrate.
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My Authentic Thought:
Self knowledge and self love cause individuals to walk in divine purpose. People who know who they are and unwaveringly love themselves are also less tolerant of the inconsiderate foolishness of others and wise enough to use their energies in ways that are of great benefit to themselves and their community. Most unfortunately, due to aged yet refined oppressive systems, African-Americans do not have adequate knowledge of self. If we did nothing would prevent us from furthering our own interests. Knoweldge of self is absolutely essential.
- Is either position of King or Malcolm out dated—antiquated even? Should African-Americans be doing something different to bring about the positive change we long for?
- Should we be concerned? Is change necessary?
- Do we need change? If so, who is responsible in bringing about the change?
- Who has the right perspective of the European? Malcolm or Martin?
- What’s the right plan?
Authentic thoughts are thoughts that are genuine and sincerely expressed. Authentic thoughts reverberate with other authentic individuals so they have an irresistible urge to ponder and or respectfully respond from their own unique perspective.
Share and express your authentic thoughts,
Hotep, (Peace)
Dr. Free
I agree with brother Omawale (Malcolm). Integration has failed us. It’s sad that it took MLK too long to figure this out. MLK became more revolutionary before he was killed, but the damage had already been done. No people have ever gotten out of oppression though non-violence.
It is true the historical record does prove that before integration our communities had challenges. It’s just what comes with being Black in America. However, we also had more of a cohesiveness among us with Black owned buisnesses and strong families being the known norm and expectation. By the way, regardless of what media says, those expectations are still important to Black families today. We had great respect and accountability among us.
Also, to your second point, it’s interesting…. why was the Boston Tea Party, and acts of the Sons of Liberty and the like acceptable but merely gathering and proclaiming that black lives matter is such a problem? What happened to civil disobedience? Now that’s another conversation. 🙂 Even Thomas Jefferson said every generation needs a revolution.
Thank you Ahmose for sharing your authentic truth. Hotep