The role of Malcolm X in the civil rights movement
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the role of Malcolm X in the civil rights movement, including his changing attitudes.
Key learning points
- In his early life, Malcolm X belonged to the Black Muslims (Nation of Islam).
- Malcolm X did not agree with the involvement of white Americans in the civil rights movement.
- In his later life, Malcolm X changed his views and left the Black Muslims (Nation of Islam).
Keywords
Black Power - Black Power is the political name for groups aiming for self determination for black Americans
Orator - An orator is a public speaker
Separatism - Separatism is the belief that keeping people separate is the right thing to do; the Black Muslims believed in separating white and black Americans
White supremacists - white supremacists are people who believe that those identified as 'white' are superior to all other races
Pilgrimage - A pilgrimage is a religious journey to a place of significance; Muslims go on a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lives
Common misconception
Malcolm X's main philosophy was the use of violence in order to fight racial injustice.
Malcolm X supported Black Nationalism and encouraged black Americans to defend themselves by any means necessary, although this did endorse violence, Malcolm X spent much of his time with the Black Muslims supporting black Americans in poorer areas.
Teacher tip
In explaining Malcolm X's role in the civil rights movement, he is often placed at odds with Martin Luther King. However, there are several points in the lesson to emphasise that Malcolm X believed they had the same goal and his change in attitudes brought them closer together.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The Greensboro sit-in led to the formation of the...
Q2.In which year had the Supreme Court ordered interstate bus terminals and stations to desegregate?
Q3.At which university did James Meredith attempt to enrol?
Q4.How many protestors took part in the March on Washington?
Q5.Under which president were the 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act passed?
Q6.The success of the Civil Rights movement in the early 1960s was due to...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these statements best describes Malcolm X's early life?
Q2.During his time in prison, Malcolm X became involved with a group known as the Nation of...
Q3. The Black Muslims believed in...
Q4.Why did Malcolm change his surname to 'X'?
Q5.How did Malcom X's 1964 pilgrimage to Mecca influence him?
Q6.Malcolm X was assassinated in...
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: The role of Malcolm X in the civil rights movement, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 history lesson on: The role of Malcolm X in the civil rights movement, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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