What does black nationalism mean to Malcolm X and why do you think it would be an appealing philosophy for African Americans in the 1960s? Using the speech of Malcolm X, summarize in a sentence the political, economic, and social goals of black nationalism. Then using what you know of the conditions of African Americans in northern and western cities in the 1960s, explain why this idea might have appeal or resonance.

Malcolm X radically transformed the idea of the struggle for equality, proclaiming the famous formula for the struggle against segregation, but for separation. Paying attention to the fundamental difference between these concepts, he emphasized that segregation is imposed on lower ones by those who are superior to them, and separation is what is done voluntarily, by two equal parties for their mutual well-being. He sharply criticized the practice of nonviolent action.

In the spring of 1964, X officially left the "Nation of Islam," declaring the creation of his own organization, the Muslim Mosque. It was based on a pronounced "ethnic agenda," as Malcolm declared on March 12, 1964 in the so-called Declaration of Independence: "Black political nationalism will be our political philosophy." A month later, speaking at a rally in Cleveland, he deciphered this concept as follows: "The political philosophy of black nationalism means that a black person must control politics and politicians in his own community."

Many consider Malcolm X the most influential orator of the Nation of Islam after Elijah Muhammad. He is often recognized as the 'creator' of success associated with a sharp increase in the size of the organization: according to one of the authors, from the beginning of the fifties to the beginning of the sixties, the number of members of the Nation increased from five hundred to twenty-five thousand, while the other indicates the numbers 1200 and 50,000 or 70,000, respectively. He managed to inspire the famous boxer Cassius Clay, who joined the Nation.

It is impossible to cross out Malcolm X from the history of the struggle for the civil rights of African-Americans in the USA. Indeed, despite all his shortcomings and mistakes, he, in louder manner and more furiously than other figures of that era formulated a demand for the US authorities to eliminate any discrimination against African Americans and begin to treat a black citizen as a sovereign human person.

A marginal phenomenon in the early 20th century, black nationalism, less than 100 years later became mainstream in the American political, social, and cultural spheres, giving rise to such movements as the Black Lives Matter.