The Teaching and Teachings of Booker T. Washington and Malcolm X
Booker T. Washington and Malcolm X both distinguish themselves as self-made African American men who rose from treacherous beginnings to become influential figures in the fight for social equality. Having began their lives at the bottom of society, both men found their self-worth through their shared pursuit of education in severely limiting circumstances. As they discovered their own senses of pride, they grew critical of White society's systemic abuse of Black people. Washington sought a post-slavery society in which African Americans could freely enter the workforce and find purpose through meaningful industrial work. Malcolm X was a prominent Black nationalist who was active during the Civil Rights Movement, promoting ideas more radical than those of Washington. Originally born Malcolm Little, the "X" in his name represents the African surname he was deprived of. Instead of seeking integration into White-only institutions, he argued that Black people needed more ...