Full name: Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare

Author: James H. Cone Rank: Rating: Original Rating: Pop Rating: Genres/categories: Purchase/reserch links: LibraryThing Amazon Goodreads ISBNs: 9781570759796 1570759790

Professor Cone has done much research in comparing the lives, careers, and teachings of the two leading figures of the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power Movement: Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, whose lives were both cut short by assassins. Cone argues that each was important in his own right, and the product of their upbringing, with Martin growing up as a middle class black preacher's son in the South while Malcolm grew up dirt poor in the ghettos of the North (Lansing, Harlem) and served time in prison. Martin was a non-violent integrationist with a dream whereas Malcolm was a brash separatist living a nightmare, calling for self-defense. Martin had a broad appeal to whites and Christians whereas Malcolm's appeal was more limited to the radical and poor, but his contribution to the civil rights movement has been under-recognized, especially as it complemented Martin's work. Malcolm spent too many years under the shackles of Elijah Mohammad, which precluded his participation in politics, and it was not until his censure and separation when he broadened his activity, mind with greater international exposure that he became most enlightened and willing to work together. I liked the characterization of Malcolm as a "field nigger" and Martin as a "house nigger" insightful. However, I disagree with Cone's attempt to characterize the two as friends, especially with Martin's steadfast refusals to meet with Malcolm. Similar books: If You Lived at the Time of Martin Luther King by Ellen Levine Arc of Justice by Kevin Boyle By Any Means Necessary by Malcolm X Malcolm X Speaks by Malcolm X At Canaan's Edge by Taylor Branch Freedom's Children by Ellen Levine Parting the Waters by Taylor Branch Pillar of Fire by Taylor Branch The Race Beat by Gene Roberts Ghosts of Mississippi by Maryanne Vollers My Soul Is Rested by Howell Raines