Malcolm X: African American Civil Rights Activist

Malcolm X is best known for being called one of the greatest and most influential African American civil rights activists in history. He is also well known as an African American Muslim minister who preached human rights later in his life and career. He fought day in and out for what he considered was right. It is important to understand that he was one the first African American’s to speak out against the white man in America in the most brutally honest terms he could justify which makes him instantly significant in American history. What made Malcolm X a great debater was his passion for what he truly believed was right, it was his rage against the white man in America that he resented and resisted everything that America stood for; to some…show more content…
His sacrifice to speak out against his entire race oppressor cost him his life. His militant leadership caused a huge uproar and threat to “white America.” Change began to develop because people like Malcolm X began to stand up for rights they were entitled to. He used his knowledge to intellectually argue the unjust society in America. He learned how to frame a debate so he could be sure he would win and ultimately cause his opponent to contradict themselves. Most importantly Malcolm X advocated education to his people in every speech, debate and interview, because his entire purpose was to create “black nationalism” and the only way that could ever happen was if his people were educated and not just diploma educated but educated with the understanding of what was taught. Although many people did not agree with his tactics, people respected him because of his overall intent for the black community. Malcolm X was a great debater because he was a strong skilled speaker, he was intellectually educated and informed and he was passionate about what he preached and these are qualities of a great leader and an effective great debater. His legacy lives on even today and that is proof of how influential he…show more content…
"Malcolm X News - The New York Times." Times Topics - The New York Times. 12 Dec.
2011. Web. 12 Dec. 2011. <http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/m/malcolm_x/index.html>.

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[ 5 ]. Malcolm, X., and Alex Haley. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. New York: Ballantine, 1981. Print. pg 272.
[ 6 ]. X, Malcolm, and George Breitman. Malcolm X Speaks; Selected Speeches and Statements. New York: Merit, 1965. Print. Pg 16.
[ 7 ]. X, Malcolm, and George Breitman. Malcolm X Speaks; Selected Speeches and Statements. New York: Merit, 1965. Print. Pg 16.
[ 8 ]. Malcolm, X., and Alex Haley. The Autobiography of Malcolm X. New York: Ballantine, 1981. Print. Pg