Similarities Between Malcolm X And Frederick Douglass

Although separated by a century, Malcolm X and Frederick Douglass advocated for the equality and freedom of African Americans at all costs. Despite criticism, Malcolm X’s fiery speeches and teachings in the twentieth century wanted people to understand the white man’s inner devil. Frederick Douglass wanted to inform northerners about the horrors of slavery with his speeches. Both men wanted justice and equality for the African Americans living in America. Neither gave up and used anything they could find to let their voices be heard. Being born and raised as an African American at the time, racial inequalities and slavery was common. Malcolm X’s family was quickly divided at a young age. Malcolm lost his track of education and learned more
Public speaking and media became the most efficient way to spread ideas and opinions for both men. Malcolm X’s journey to spread the teachings of Elijah Muhammad were made possible by the newspaper, television, and speeches at universities and rallies. “Every Muslim happily anticipated that now...our brainwashed black brothers and sisters across the United States, and devils, too, were going to see, hear, and read Mr. Muhammad's teachings”(Haley 241). Malcolm X now had a more powerful tool to expose the racist white men and their wrongdoings. Similar to Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass utilized the power of speech to expand his statement on anti-slavery. “The truth was, I felt myself a slave, and the idea of speaking to white people weighed me down. I spoke but a few moments, when I felt a degree of freedom, and said what I desired with considerable ease” (Douglass 80). Living in the north, Douglass had a chance to speak in front of a crowd. Douglass orated at conventions and meetings about anti-slavery. The more he spoke publicly, the more people understood slavery and its inhumane conditions. Public speaking and media resources have had a great impact on sharing the words and thoughts of both