Violence Prevention

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Reconsidering Malcolm X

Framework
Civil Rights leader Malcolm X now appears in many history books and has been the hero of a feature film, but very few sources actually delve into the forms of leadership and resistance to oppression that Malcolm X advocated in the last year of his life. After his powerful conversion to what he called "True Islam," Malcolm X renounced racial hatred in any form and based his beliefs in the unity of all humankind on a deep spiritual conviction. His faith condemned violence but permitted the righteous and just people to act in self-defense.

Objectives 

  • Students will analyze the rhetorical strategies Malcolm X used in his speeches, such as tone, emotional appeal and descriptive language
  • Students will consider the strategies used by African American leaders during the Civil Rights Movement and the social implications of these strategies
  • Students will analyze the leadership and ideology of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X in the civil rights movement and evaluate their legacies
  • Students will identify personal values and use them to determine appropriate behaviors for protecting their individual rights

Part I

  • Show students some footage from a film about the Civil Rights era, such as the The Children's March, that documents law enforcement's violent reaction to peaceful demonstrations (photos from Bloody Sunday in Selma, Ala., or the freedom rides are also powerful)
  • Discuss the Preview Questions (PDF) to determine what students know about the individual leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Write the background information on the board. Students might mention King's relationship with Gandhi or Malcolm X's with the Nation of Islam
  • Use Handout I (PDF), "Rethinking Malcolm X," to give everyone background information about Malcolm X. If possible, allow students to use the Internet version of the essay so they can take some time to explore the links on that page during class or as homework.

Part II

  • Distribute Handout II (PDF),"The Language of Resistance."
  • Ask students to read the excerpts from the Malcolm X speeches independently, then take turns reading individual excerpts aloud.

Repeat using the discussion questions, pausing to share comments and ideas after you read.

Follow Up:

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