An Unconceivable Alliance

MLK and Malcolm are representatives of the American Civil Rights Movement. They were at opposite ends of the spectrum in advocating resistance but managed to speak the same language. This language isn’t evident while listening to their speeches, as they usually went against each other in their ideologies. MLK actively advocated against violence and Malcolm constructed attaining freedom through the use of force or “any means possible”. However, despite these differences both were consistent in one theme, something that their aggressor the white man didn’t practice, it was the culmination of respect and tolerance. This does not seem credible while reading their speeches, as they both heavily criticized what the other preached. Nonetheless, these themes came to light after understanding their internal relationship.

Pictures from 1964, when both men met for the first and last time, stood side by side and smiled carry a very important message. These pictures can be easily dismissed, by saying that it was a political appearance and didn’t signify anything of substance. Though, it is this very idea of meeting someone you oppose and extending civility at that critical moment in time, which makes both men special. It is a universal lesson that differing opinions are unavoidable and you may not agree with someone’s ideas but this doesn’t make them any less of a person, tolerating them is the key to better relations. MLK after Malcolm’s death said, "I think Malcolm X did serve a role, I think he played a role in pointing out the problem” despite MLK further continuing to emphasize the shortcomings of Malcolm he does make it clear that Malcolm’s efforts were significant.

It is this acknowledgement that makes both of them extraordinary men. Even indirectly, they teach how to practice tolerance towards every individual. Malcolm’s 1992 movie shows a similar behavioral pattern, where he doesn’t show aggression towards his own people, he highlights the difference towards the end but also tolerates it. They both don’t have the time to sustain violence among their own, even if it leads to their end, they dream of something bigger than themselves. Upon Malcolm’s death MLK had sent a letter to his wife Betty saying, “I always had a deep affection for Malcolm.” The question arises, how can you have affection for someone that has been your rival for most of your life? Consequently, we see that both men didn’t just stand on pedestals and act as spokesmen for the masses, they showed a sense of humanity that made them far ahead of their time.

In 1988 Coretta, who was MLK’s wife in an interview said, “I think they respected each other. Martin had the greatest respect for Malcolm and he agreed with him in terms of the feeling of racial pride and the fact that Black people should believe in themselves and see themselves, as lovable and beautiful. The fact that Martin had a strong feeling of connectedness to Africa and so did Malcolm. Ah, I think if the two had lived, I am sure that at some point they would have come closer together and would have been a very strong force in the total struggle for liberation and self-determination of Black people in our society.” She effortlessly highlights the relationship between the two: if both of them moved towards what the other preached, towards the end of their lives, then it is safe to say that through respect and tolerance they both led the movement as a combined force. The afterlife of both requires the coexistence of their varying ideologies, to explain and lead the success of black people achieving their rights in America. It is this unconceivable alliance that moves the hearts of people till today.