by John S Foster

Created on: November 14, 2008

Comparing the legacy of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X

Great subject. I love it. I thank God for Helium for providing this medium of expression.

I was born in 1960 in Philadelphia's southwest side, and during that time, I recall seeing the black Moslems, and the Black Panthers, and experienced some of their impact on the community. And let me say that it was overall positive, unlike what the media tries to portray. I recall the different opinions people had concerning Dr. King and Malcolm X. During those times in the 60's and early 70's, I was too young to understand and know the difference, except that Dr. King represented the Christian side and Malcolm X did not. Being raised Christian I leaned more on the side of Dr. King. I recall when JFK and Dr. King were assassinated, and although I was only 3 or 4 years old, I remember the grief and anger everyone felt. I recall that when Malcolm X was killed that there were a lot of rumors that it was blacks that did it and that we as a people had failed to progress. But again, I was too young. When I reached High school, I read a documentary book on Dr. King and on Malcolm X and it was at that time that I started to develop an opinion of sorts. In addition, there had been a few television movies and documentaries made on the life of Dr. King and Malcolm X, and as I got older I got a better understanding of the civil rights movement and what the Black Panthers really did and the impact of the Moslem movement.

During those early years of my life I desperately looked for positive role models to emulate, my father was not around and there were not too many others for me to look up too that were positive. I recall writing down quotes of Dr. King and memorizing them as a sort of guide as to how to act. One quote he said was saying that one should try to be the best he or she can be. Even if you are a street sweeper, be the best street sweeper. I can relate to that now in my current life because I have a part time job cleaning a restaurant after hours, cleaning toilets, sweeping floors vacuuming and moping. And I am always complimented on how well I do. Therefore, I am reminded of this quote.

As far as Malcolm X is concerned, the one thing I like the most of him was his sincere search for truth. He had learned his faith according to his movements beliefs and was totally committed to it. And when he found that, the leaders of his faith were not what he thought they were, he turned from them, but he did not turn from his faith.

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