As we pause to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday, it is important to remember another towering figure in the struggle for racial justice — Malcolm X. Dr. King and Malcolm X represent the diverse and complementary strategies that have fueled the fight for equality.
These two men, while often viewed through contrasting lenses of ideology and approach, were deeply connected in their shared commitment to the cause of justice and equality. Boston played a significant role in shaping both leaders during their formative years and later in their efforts to inspire justice.
Between the two of them, we see the culmination of centuries of Black resistance and activism. Figures like Nat Turner, Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells. These early leaders confronted slavery, inequality, and systemic oppression, creating a pathway for those who followed.
Building on the work of these earlier figures, intellectual and ideological leaders like Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Marcus Garvey shaped the strategies and frameworks of the 20th-century Civil Rights Movement. Garvey introduced a vision of pride and unity among the African diaspora and called for Black self-determination. These ideas were later echoed and expanded upon by the Black Panther Party, Black Nationalism, and the Black Power Movement. The ideas of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. were built on this foundation and have endured as timeless inspirations for justice.
While their methods differed — King championing nonviolence and integration, and Malcolm initially advocating for Black self-determination and self-defense — their goals were ultimately intertwined.
The role of Boston in King’s life is well known, and it’s important to examine the pivotal role the city played in shaping Malcolm X’s identity and activism.
Before he became Malcolm X, he was Malcolm Little, a young man who moved to Boston in the early 1940s to live with his half-sister, Ella Little-Collins. Unlike King, whose time in Boston was marked by academic and theological pursuits, Malcolm’s early years in the city were defined by survival and self-discovery.
Ella Little-Collins House (72 Dale Street, Roxbury): This house served as a stable foundation for Malcolm during his turbulent youth. Ella, a strong and independent woman, provided guidance and support to her younger brother. The house, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands as a physical reminder of Malcolm’s ties to Boston.
Early Jobs in Downtown Boston: As a teenager, Malcolm worked various odd jobs near South Station and the South End. These jobs, though modest, exposed him to the vibrant and often gritty life of the city. The downtown and South End areas became Malcolm’s stomping grounds, places where he observed the racial and economic dynamics that would later inform his activism.
Charlestown State Prison: In 1946, Malcolm was arrested and incarcerated at Charlestown State Prison before being transferred to Norfolk Prison. His time in prison was a turning point, as he discovered the teachings of the Nation of Islam and began a journey of intellectual and spiritual awakening.
Mosque No. 11 in Roxbury: After his release, Malcolm returned to Boston as a minister for the Nation of Islam. He played a crucial role in organizing and expanding the NOI’s presence in the city. The mosque on Intervale Street (and later other nearby locations) became a hub for Malcolm’s preaching and activism.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Malcolm frequently returned to Boston to speak at colleges, forums, and community events. Notable appearances include his speech at the Harvard Law School Forum in 1964, where he discussed racial inequality in America. He also spoke at gatherings in Roxbury and Dorchester, engaging with local Black communities and inspiring grassroots activism.
The later years of Malcolm X’s life reflected a shift toward greater collaboration and a broader vision of unity. His pilgrimage to Mecca in 1964 transformed his perspective, softening his views on race and expanding his focus toward universal human rights. During this time, Malcolm sought to engage with civil rights leaders like King, showing a willingness to work together for shared goals.
Similarly, King’s later years demonstrated his growing focus on systemic economic injustices, which Malcolm had often emphasized. By the time of his assassination, King had begun organizing the Poor People’s Campaign to address economic inequality across racial lines, reflecting a convergence of their concerns.
Together, these ideological shifts underscore the complementary nature of their efforts and the enduring power of their combined legacies.
Though their experiences in Boston were vastly different, both leaders were profoundly shaped by their time here. Boston provided King with an intellectual and spiritual foundation, while for Malcolm, it was a stage for personal transformation and the development of his transformational ideas.
Their lives and work remind us that the struggle for justice requires both reflection and action, as well as a willingness to embrace diverse perspectives and approaches. By remembering the contributions of both King and Malcolm, we honor not only their individual legacies but also the shared cause that united them — a cause that continues to inspire generations to fight for justice, equality, and dignity for all.
Ed Gaskin is Executive Director of Greater Grove Hall Main Streets and founder of Sunday Celebrations.
