US History
Civil Rights Movement: MLK v. Malcom X
MLK-“I Have a Dream”
1. Describe the occasion in which King is delivering his speech. What was hoped to be
accomplished at that place and time?
2. List three ways the African-American has been dealt a “bad check.”
3. Name two things that MLK would like to see white and black children do one day.
4. Summarize Dr. King’s dream.
Birmingham News, April 12, 1963-“Letter from Alabama Clergymen”
1. Where do these clergymen feel civil rights for all people will eventually be won?
2. What is the biggest complaint they have with the civil rights protestors and
demonstrators?
3. According to the clergymen what did the best way to deal with unrest in their city
and state between blacks and whites?
4. What do they call upon all people in the black community to do immediately?
5. How do you feel about their argument? Do you feel they are going about handling
civil rights violations the correct way? Explain.
MLK-“Letter from a Birmingham Jail”
1. According to MLK what is the biggest problem facing the Negro community?
2. Why does MLK say that civil rights leaders “have no alternative” but to demonstrate
in Birmingham?
3. List three reasons Dr. King gives in the letter as to why the civil rights movement
cannot “wait.”
Malcolm X-“The Nation of Islam and Black Nationalism”
1. What was the Nation of Islam (the Black Muslims) and what did they argue
concerning civil rights?
2. What do you think Malcolm X meant by “any means necessary?”
3. What did Malcolm X mean by “black nationalism?”
4. Why did Malcolm X leave the Nation of Islam?
5. What was so significant about his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964? How did this effect
his feelings about civil rights?
6. How do you feel about Malcolm X’s argument on how to end civil rights? Do you
think it was a more effective plan than that proposed by MLK? Explain.