Who is Martin Luther King Jr?

He was an influential leader and activist during the civil rights movement in the United States. He was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, GA. He fought for equal rights and justice for African Americans, advocating for nonviolent protests and civil disobedience.

Martin Luther King Jr. was learning more and more about discrimination toward African Americans across the country. He knew that he had to do something about it other than just being on the sidelines. He wrote speeches, essays, and books throughout his life. There were many motives as to why he was so determined to make a change for African Americans across the country. 

Equality was a huge motive for Martin Luther King Jr. when it came to writing speeches and fighting for what he believed in. He was also big on nonviolent resistance. He believed in the power of peaceful protests and civil disobedience to bring about social change, which was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings. King studied Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha (means "truth-force" or "soul-force"). King's way of protesting was influenced by Gandhi's successful campaigns in India.

King also wanted integration of schools, public spaces, and society as a whole, promoting unity and breaking down racial barriers. He wanted voting rights. He fought for the right of African Americans to vote, as he believed that political participation was crucial for achieving true equality. Another motive was economic justice. Martin Luther King Jr. also emphasized the importance of economic equality. Addressing issues such as poverty and advocating for fair wages. He did all of this while still achieving peaceful/non-violent protests. 

Every activist has an opposing fellow with different but similar approaches. Malcolm X was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement. He was an activist who advocated for black empowerment and self-defense. He was an advocate for human rights and spoke out against racial discrimination while promoting "by any means necessary."

Malcolm X was inspired by Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam. Muhammad's emphasis on black pride, self-sufficiency, and separatism resonated with Malcolm X's own desire for empowerment and justice for African Americans. Malcolm's journey of activism was shaped by a combination of personal experiences, teachings of influential figures, and a deep commitment to the liberation of black people.

Malcolm X advocated for black nationalism, which emphasized the need for self-governance and the establishment of an independent black state. He believed in the importance of black pride, unity, and self-sufficiency. He was big on embracing and celebrating African-American culture and heritage. He encouraged black individuals to be proud of their roots and to reject assimilation into white-dominated society.

Malcolm X wanted human rights, not only for African Americans but for all oppressed people around the world. He spoke out against colonialism, imperialism, and other forms of global injustice. He fought against systematic racism and discrimination in all its forms.