Lesson Topic 3: Malcolm X

text annotation indicator A black and white portrait of a smiling Malcolm X. He is shown in profile. He is a middle-aged man with medium-dark skin and dark, cropped hair. He wears glasses and a light suit and shirt and dark, skinny necktie. Malcolm X (May 19, 1925- February 21, 1965), born Malcolm Little, was an African-American Muslim minister and human rights activist. To his admirers, he was a courageous advocate for the rights of blacks and a man who indicted white America in the harshest terms for its crimes against black Americans. Detractors accused him of preaching racism, black supremacy, and violence. He has been called one of the greatest and most influential African Americans in history.

Here is a biography of Malcolm X. Take the time to listen to a few of Malcolm X's speeches. Consider how the delivery of his speech impacts his overall message and compare that to the written version of a speech you are about to read.

Read the speech "Message to the Grassroots" by Malcolm X. While you read, consider the following questions:

What does Malcolm X think the goal of any revolution should be?
How does Malcolm X justify violence as a means for black Americans to improve themselves?
According to Malcolm X, what is the difference between a "Negro" revolution and a "black" revolution?
According to Malcolm X, what are "Uncle Toms," and how do they slow progress for blacks in America?

Module Review

Now that you have completed the initial assessments for this module, review the lesson material with the practice activities and extra resources.

Please complete the following self-assessment in order to review the material from this module.

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