King was electrified by this possibility. He promptly bought six books on Gandhi, who had studied Henry David Thoreau. Gandhi took Thoreau's theory and gave it practical application -- "strikes, boycotts, and protest marches all conducted nonviolently, and all predicated on love for the oppressor and a belief in divine justice. King's synthesis of theology and social action would provide him with a solid foundation in the tumultuous years ahead.
A little more than six months later, a local activist and member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white person; she was arrested. Black leaders called for a bus boycott and prevailed upon King to assume leadership of a newly formed group, the Montgomery Improvement Association MIA. King was reluctant, then agreed.
But death threats kept coming. King felt he simply could not continue. Then one night as he sat alone in his kitchen, King believed that he heard the voice of Jesus speaking to him, urging him to stand up for justice. King vowed to fight on. Three days later, his house was firebombed. King refused to give in to violence, proclaiming, "We still have the attitude of love. King continued to push for change. In he was arrested and sent to jail for participating in a march in Birmingham, Ala.
From his jail cell, he wrote a letter in response to white ministers who accused him of causing trouble and stirring up violence. Drawing on his years of theological study and thinking, King wrote a profound reflection upon Christianity and the imperative for social justice and social change. When King's followers marched on the jail, the violent police response persuaded President John F.
Kennedy to finally propose a new civil rights act. But the fight continued. On Aug. Maude L. Ballou to Malcolm X, 1 February , in Papers Malcolm X to King, 21 July , in Papers Document Research Requests.
The Institute cannot give permission to use or reproduce any of the writings, statements, or images of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Skip to content Skip to navigation. In the early s, Malcolm X began working with acclaimed author Alex Haley on an autobiography. The book details Malcolm X's life experiences and his evolving views on racial pride, Black nationalism and pan-Africanism.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X was published in after his assassination to near-universal praise. The New York Times called it a "brilliant, painful, important book," and Time magazine listed it as one of the 10 most influential nonfiction books of the 20th century. Malcolm X has been the subject of numerous movies, stage plays and other works, and has been portrayed by actors like James Earl Jones , Morgan Freeman and Mario Van Peebles.
Both the film and Washington's portrayal of Malcolm X received wide acclaim and were nominated for several awards, including two Academy Awards. In the immediate aftermath of Malcolm X's death, commentators largely ignored his recent spiritual and political transformation and criticized him as a violent rabble-rouser. But especially after the publication of The Autobiography of Malcolm X , he will be remembered for underscoring the value of a truly free populace by demonstrating the great lengths to which human beings will go to secure their freedom.
We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives. Elijah Muhammad rose from poverty to become the charismatic leader of the black nationalist group Nation of Islam, and mentor of Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan.
Martin Luther King Jr. After his assassination, he was memorialized by Martin Luther King Jr. Jimmie Lee Jackson was shot and killed by an Alabama state trooper in ; his death inspired a civil rights demonstration that led to the Voting Rights Act. Muhammad Ali was a heavyweight boxing champion with an impressive win record.
He was also known for his brave public stance against the Vietnam War. Philip Randolph was a trailblazing leader, organizer and social activist who championed equitable labor rights for African American communities during the 20th century. Until his assassination, he vigorously supported Black nationalism. He began to not only direct his work towards African Americans but to people of all races and ethnicities. He preached about human rights, freedom, action, and community building.
While re-establishing himself, however, the old tensions with the Nation of Islam were still festering and rumors began that Malcolm X had been targeted for assassination. Attempts were made on his life and threats were made against his wife, Betty, and four daughters. In February of his family home was firebombed, and while everyone made it out alive, no one was ever charged with the crime. Presbyterian Hospital. Later that year his wife Betty gave birth to their twin daughters.
The legacy of Malcolm X and his work have inspired and informed many others in their fight for social justice and equality.
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