Malcolm X and Civil Rights Influences

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Questions and Answers

Who was M.S. Handler?

A civil rights leader

An editor for a magazine

A white reporter from the New York Times (correct)

Malcolm's father

How long was Malcolm visiting Handler's home?

one week

Why did Malcolm believe in separation rather than integration?

it was the only solution since whites were not able to admit full integration

What does 'integration' mean?

the act of uniting or bringing together, especially people of different races Signup and view all the answers

According to Malcolm, what is Christianity?

A slave religion and it kept Negroes obedient Signup and view all the answers

How did poor blacks view Malcolm?

They saw him as a grandfather and loved that he was a National figure, yet still approachable Signup and view all the answers

What was the middle class blacks' view of Malcolm?

They felt like Malcolm was making things worse for them Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Islam have on Malcolm?

It turned his life from a life of crime to a life in which he was trying to help and benefit others Signup and view all the answers

Why were Negroes of Malcolm's time and enemies respecting him?

he spoke the anger of the poor people to the white man Signup and view all the answers

What significant change did Malcolm address in 1964?

his opinions of the white man have changed after he leaves the nation of Islam Signup and view all the answers

What incident occurred while Malcolm's mother was pregnant with him?

the KKK surrounded their house with shotguns and rifles Signup and view all the answers

Where was Malcolm's father during the time their house was surrounded?

away preaching in Milwaukee Signup and view all the answers

Who was Marcus Garvey?

African American leader during the 1920s who founded the UNIA and advocated mass migration of African Americans back to Africa Signup and view all the answers

What led to the attack by the KKK on Malcolm's family?

Malcolm's father spread trouble among the Negroes of Omaha with the back-to-Africa teachings of Marcus Garvey Signup and view all the answers

Who was Malcolm's father?

Earl Little, a Baptist minister and a dedicated organizer of Marcus Garvey's UNIA movement Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Malcolm's father?

He saw three of his six brothers get killed by violence Signup and view all the answers

What does Malcolm's mother represent in his life?

Louise Little, who was light-skinned and ashamed that her father was white Signup and view all the answers

What happened in 1929 involving Malcolm's house?

whites burned down Malcolm's house because they did not want blacks living there Signup and view all the answers

After their house was burned down, what did Earl do?

built a four-room house by hand to support the entire family Signup and view all the answers

Why did Malcolm believe that Earl beat Louise?

she had a good education and was often correcting her husband Signup and view all the answers

What lesson did Malcolm learn from his mother's treatment of children?

Crying out, protesting, and speaking up would help you accomplish things Signup and view all the answers

What age was Malcolm when he started going to school?

5 years-old Signup and view all the answers

What was the argument between Malcolm's parents about?

the black legion Signup and view all the answers

What was the Black Legion?

a group associated with the KKK and killed Malcolm's father Signup and view all the answers

When did Malcolm's father die?

1931 Signup and view all the answers

How did Malcolm's father die?

He left the house and died after being hit by a train car Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Malcolm's family receive insurance money after Earl died?

the insurance company said that he committed suicide Signup and view all the answers

How did Malcolm's father's death affect the family?

Wilford quit school in order to work and his mother got a job Signup and view all the answers

When did Malcolm's mother's breakdown begin?

when the family started welfare Signup and view all the answers

What was Malcolm's mother's family goal?

She wanted to preserve the family's pride Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Figures and Influences

M.S. Handler was a white New York Times reporter with 30 years of experience in Europe, analyzing fundamental forces behind the civil rights movement.
Malcolm X visited Handler's home for one week prior to announcing his separation from Elijah Muhammad.
Malcolm X viewed Marcus Garvey as a crucial African American leader in the 1920s, advocating for the back-to-Africa movement through the UNIA and was deported in 1927.

Malcolm's Perspectives

He advocated for separation instead of integration, believing that full integration could not be achieved due to white resistance.
Integration is defined as the unification of different races, which Malcolm critiqued.
According to Malcolm, Christianity is perceived as a "slave religion," aimed at maintaining obedience among African Americans.

Community Responses

Poor African Americans regarded Malcolm as a beloved figure, seeing him as a grandfatherly presence who was approachable yet a national representative.
Middle-class African Americans, however, believed Malcolm's rhetoric exacerbated their struggles.

Transformational Journey

Islam significantly transformed Malcolm X's life from crime to a mission of helping others.
He garnered respect from both Negroes and enemies for articulating the grievances of the oppressed towards white society.

Personal Background

Malcolm X was born into a tumultuous environment; his mother faced threats from the KKK while pregnant with him.
His father, Earl Little, was a Baptist minister and organizer for Marcus Garvey, who faced violent opposition for his views on back-to-Africa teachings.
The family's house was burned down in 1929 due to racial hostility, leading to their relocation.

Family Dynamics

Earl Little suffered from violence, having lost three brothers, which influenced his life choices.
Louise Little, Malcolm's mother, struggled with her identity due to her light skin and white ancestry.
After Earl's death in 1931, attributed to actions from the Black Legion, the family faced financial difficulties as they received no insurance support.

Early Life and Education

Malcolm started school at the age of five, while his family dynamics were strained by poverty and racial discrimination.
The family’s financial struggles intensified following Earl's death, pushing Wilford to leave school for work and leading to Louise's emotional breakdown.

Resilience and Struggles

Malcolm's mother's desire was to maintain family dignity despite the challenges faced, indicating a deep commitment to preserving their heritage and pride.

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Description

Explore the key figures and ideas that shaped Malcolm X's perspectives on civil rights. This quiz delves into his relationships with influential personalities and his critique of integration and Christianity. Test your knowledge on how Malcolm X viewed the civil rights movement and the responses from the African American community.