Martin Luther King, Jr. And Malcolm X
The Following Letter Was Written By Minister Malcolm X To Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On July 31, 1963, Less Than A Month Before The Historic March On Washington:
July 31, 1963
MUHAMMAD'S MOSQUE NO. 7 113 Lenox Avenue New York 26, New York
July 31, 1963
Dr. Martin Luther King C/O Southern Christian Leadership Conference 334 Auburn Avenue Atlanta J, Georgia
Dear Sir:
The present racial crisis in this country carries within it powerful destructive ingredients that may soon erupt into an uncontrollable explosion. The seriousness of this situation demands that immediate steps must be taken to solve this crucial problem, by those who have genuine concern before the racial powder keg explodes.
A United Front involving all Negro factions, elements and their leaders is absolutely necessary. A racial explosion is more destructive than a nuclear explosion.
If capitalistic Kennedy and communistic Khrushschev can find something in common on which to form a United Front despite their tremendous ideological differences, it is a disgrace for Negro leaders not to be able to submerge our "minor" differences in order to seek a common solution to a common problem posed by a Common Enemy.
On Saturday, August 10th, from 1 - 7 p.m., the Muslims are sponsoring another giant outdoor rally at 116th Street and Lenox Avenue. Two previous rallies this summer at the same location, attracted 5000 to 7000 Harlemites respectively. We expect our largest crowd this time, rain or shine.
We are inviting several Negro leaders to give their analysis of the present race problem and also their solution. We will also explain Mr. Muhammad's solution.
There will be no debating, arguing, criticizing, or condemning. I will moderate the meeting and guarantee order and courtesy for all speakers. This rally is designed not only to reflect the spirit of unity, but it will give you a chance to present your views to the largest and most explosive elements in Metropolitan New York.
If you cannot come, please send your representative. Invitations to participate have been sent to: Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, Dr. Adam C. Powell, James Farmer, Whitney Young, A. Phillip Randolph, Dr. Ralph Bunche, Dr. Joseph H. Jackson and James Forman.
An immediate reply would be appreciated.
Your Brother, Malcolm X Malcolm X, Minister MUHAMMAD'S NEW YORK MOSQUE NO.7
If There Were Obvious Ideological Differences Between Malcolm X And Dr. King, With Regard To The Civil Rights Struggle, There Are Also At Least Two Irrefutable Commonalities:
Both Men Exhibited Extraordinary Courage While Confronting White Supremacy And Exposing American Hypocrisy.
In Addition They Both Understood The Global Relationship Between The African American Freedom Struggle And The Liberation Movements Of Third World Countries.
Before Their Deaths, Both Men Acknowledged Their Personal Respect For Each Other.
Following His Murder, Dr. King Wrote To Malcolm's Widow, Betty Shabazz:
"While we did not always see eye to eye on methods to solve the race problem, I always had a deep affection for Malcolm and felt that he had a great ability to put his finger on the existence and root of the problem."
King Went On To Say, "He was an eloquent spokesman for his point of view and no one can honestly doubt that Malcolm had a great concern for the problems that we face as a race."
Malcolm Said, "Dr. King wants the same thing I want -- freedom!"
Shortly After Dr. King Was Jailed In Selma, Alabama, Malcolm Met With Coretta Scott King And Told Her He Did Not Come To Selma To Make Things More Difficult For Dr. King Explaining, "If White people realize what the alternative is, perhaps they will be more willing to hear Dr. King."
Malcolm X Was Killed February 21, 1965, Less Than Three Weeks After That Meeting In Selma. Dr. King Was Murdered Three Years Later, On April 4, 1968.
"In Order For Black History To Live, We Must Continue To Breathe Life Into It." -- Hubert Gaddy, Jr.
