American Literature

Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr were leaders, who fought for rights of
African American people in different paths.  They were against racism. Malcolm X
Separatism and militancy contrasted with non violent tactics of Martin Luther King Jr.

Malcolm X was born on May 19th 1925 in Omaha. He was Black Muslim pilgrim,
who determined to create an organization for blacks regardless of their religion. In his
book The Auto biography of Malcolm X particularly in chapter 4, he describes about
his young age were he wanted to fight racism. He was working in an Ice cream  par lour.
There he met a black girl Laura, and got attracted towards her.  He also goes for rose land
ballroom dance with Lara. At the same period of time he met another white rich woman
Sophia and goes along with her, neglecting Laura even though he feels love for her. He
considers Sophia as social pride to gain respect among his friends. This shows his
immaturity of his early attempts to fight racism.

In 1963, Rev. Martin Luther King  Jr and 53 black men protested in Birmingham
against the existing segregation laws, and  were arrested. Luther King wrote a letter from
Birmingham jail. The letter states that Promises given by the politicians and merchants
of Birmingham have been broken, and now it is time for all people to be treated equal.
He is the man who does not  believe in violence or breaking laws. But firmly wants to
protect the rights of African American people, and when it is not given he determines to
fight violent for god given rights.  He is also frustrated by the church which failed to see
its responsibilities, he says people of god must understand and lead their action towards
justice. He spent eight days in jail.