Malcolm X was a complicated man that few in white America understood. After sharing what they know or think they know about this civil rights leader, about nationalism and Black Nationalism, class members view a two-part documentary about Malcolm X, his life, his ideas, and his impact on the civil rights movement.

Concepts

malcolm x, martin luther king jr., civil rights, civil rights leaders, the civil rights movement, non-violent protest, racism, nationalism

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Create a timeline, have class members post comments Malcolm X made before and after his April, 1964 Haji to Mecca, and discuss how the statements represent a change in philosophy

Classroom Considerations

• Requires purchase of the PBS documentary
  
• The first of a two-part lesson on Malcolm X
• Links to the listed websites do not work; however, many similar resources are available on the Internet

Pros

• The five-page packet includes before and after-viewing discussion questions and activities
• Class members are asked to consider why in studies of the civil rights movement most of the focus is on Martin Luther King Jr., and little on Malcolm X or other black nationalists

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.1.a SL.9-10.3 SL.11-12.1.a SL.11-12.3