What Was Malcolm X’s Significance in Improving Civil Rights for African-Americans Between the Years 1953-1970?

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The role of Malcolm X in furthering Civil Rights for African Americans is subject to hot debate. He was a prominent figure in the quest for Civil Rights through his charismatic presence and inspiring speeches. However, his intentions may have been just but his means were questionable, his aggressive views towards white people hindered the advancement toward equality. Many of X’s speeches were transmitted across the United States meaning he reached a much larger audience with his captivating speeches, which helped benefit Civil Rights as he was very persuasive and passionate with his listeners becoming absorbed in his words. James Turner of Cornell University agreed with this, as in the late 1960’s he said, “This was a brother you could believe… that was the extraordinary thing about him.” This ability to inspire the masses was very significant for furthering Civil Rights as it allowed him to get across his views and beliefs and for his audience to trust him explicitly. Yet, this quote can be questioned as Turner said this four years after X’s death, so his qualities may have been exaggerated in martyrdom. Nonetheless, this does show that even well educated men such as a university professor were influenced by X’s views, Strongly affecting the case for X being a leader of Civil Rights as he his being endorsed by an intellectual.. His speeches were excellent at stimulating and inspiring black men and women to join the push for equality. He did this through his magnetism and his ability to lead, which clearly highlight his significance in the quest for Civil Rights as he managed to inspire a generation. Malcolm X also brought the idea of Black Pride to many oppressed African-Americans in disadvantaged urban areas, where his influence was strongest. He did this by teaching them that “Black is Beautiful” and gave them someone to look up to. He may not have first
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