The Civil Rights Activists

Martin Luther King helped a generation of black Americans fight for equality. As said on Biography.com, “few could deny that he had been the guiding light for 15 of the most crucial years in America’s civil rights struggle.” After King died, there were many riots. Also, many people and places have honored Martin Luther King Jr. President Johnson began Martin Luther King Day to honor King’s goals and actions. President Jimmy Carter posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977. King has also received many other prizes, had many streets named in honor of him, and has been awarded various honorary degrees. Malcolm X fought for Civil Rights throughout his life, though his ideas changed near the end. Many people attended his funeral to mourn him. Though his ideas were very controversial, he helped influence blacks in the United States to fight for their rights. Martin Luther King Jr. said that although they disagreed on many points, Malcolm X had definitely had a great concern for the troubles of his race (Malcolm X Epilogue). Elijah Muhammad, however, said that “Malcolm X got just what he preached (Evanzz).”

At the age of 39, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated as he stood on the balcony of his motel. He was at Memphis supporting black city workers who were striking for higher wages and better treatment. It is uncertain who killed him, since “escaped convict James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to the murder, although he later insisted he was innocent (Biography.com).” Malcolm X was also assassinated. He was at the Audubon Ballroom, and some men in the front row fired multiple shots at him with a shotgun and some revolvers. After he died in the hospital, many people mourned his death (Malcolm X 441-444).

Martin Luther King Jr. supported peaceful protests and rallies. Malcolm X was more militant and aggressive. Both were passionate Civil Rights activists, though they had very different views. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X are still remembered for their contributions to society and their beliefs.