Malcolm X vs. MLK Jr. Quotes

Who said it?

“There can be no revolution without bloodshed and it is nonsense to describe the civil rights movement in America as a revolution.”

• Malcolm X

• Martin Luther King Jr.

Answer explanation

Malcolm X's "Message to the Grass Roots" address in Detroit

Who said it?

“I say to you that our goal is freedom, and I believe we are going to get there because however much she strays away from it, the goal of America is freedom.”

• Martin Luther King Jr.

• Malcolm X

Answer explanation

King supported initiatives to ed poverty and racism and criticized the Vietnam War

Who said it?

“Yesterday, our people used to look upon the American system as an American dream. But the Black people today are beginning to realize that it is an American nightmare. What is a dream to you is a nightmare to us.”

• Martin Luther King Jr.

• Malcolm X

Answer explanation

Malcolm X's speech at Harvard University. He criticized America's political system. The nightmare could be ended with Black power- voting rights, political consciousness, community control of neighborhoods, and Black pride.

Who said it?

"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant."

• Malcolm X

• Martin Luther King Jr.

Answer explanation

from MLK Jr's Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in Oslo, Norway 1964

BONUS!

Who said it?

“We must be proud of our race. We must not be ashamed of being black. We must believe with all our hearts that black is as beautiful as any other color.”

• Martin Luther King Jr.

• Malcolm X

Answer explanation

King agreeing with Black Power movement' virtues but believed that nonviolence was the best strategy. He blended ideas of black nationalism with his commitment to peaceful protest.