The Civil Rights Movement was a time concerning the fighting of Black Americans to be acknowledged as true members of society. Rallies were held, speeches were heard, and protests took place all throughout America by those that felt that they were second class citizens to their white counterparts. While the Civil Rights Movement had many leaders and influencers, Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are commonly seen as the two great opposing forces who both wanted freedom for African American people. In order to examine the significance of the black revolution and the plight of African Americans during this time, one must consider key events during the time period such as the importance of the "March on Washington" and Malcolm X's "Message to the Grassroots" speech at the Northern Negro Grassroots Leadership Conference on the black revolution. 

Without prior knowledge on the Civil Rights Movement itself, one might believe that it was the product of one sole event that changed the life of African Americans forever. Contrary to this belief, the Civil Rights Movement was in fact a collective effort to change the social and political rights of black Americans. The March on Washington took place on August 28, 1963 . The most important reasons for the gathering of  such a large crowd of African Americans was to fight for jobs and freedom. This march is still significant today because of the famous "I Have A Dream" speech that was delivered by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Many articles, news interviews, and those who knew Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. personally share the idea that King was a believer in the nonviolent fight for freedom. This march was essentially a rally for the thousands of African Americans in attendance to wake up and take action. This march was attended by many celebrities and famous musicians who united with average citizens in society all for a common cause ("Message to Grassroots"). Similarly, three months later on November 10, 1963 , Malcolm X gave his "Message to Grassroots" speech that called for a different plan of action to be taken by black Americans. Malcolm X called for blacks to gain a sense of community and organize a black revolution. Those who were aware of the beliefs of Malcolm X would characterize him as someone who would take violent means in order to gain independence for African Americans in society. It is essential for one to understand the overall concept of the ideals that were spoken at the March on Washington in order to understand the passion that Malcolm X spoke with in his speech the "Message to the Grassroots". 

Having gained background on the two events themselves, one must then question the importance of the two events. To begin, the two leaders must be analyzed to allow for an accurate interpretation of the fire behind Malcolm X's words in his speech. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a man who had what would be considered a sheltered background in his childhood days ("Malcolm X vs. MLK") . He lived in a rather influential neighborhood and was the son of an influential pastor. King then went on to gain a college education and become a pastor himself. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. focused more on the concept of black inclusion into society. On the other hand, Malcolm X had a rather difficult childhood that was consumed with loss. He loss his mother to mental illness and his father to a white mob. Then, he lost his dreams of becoming an educated African American lawyer after he was told that he should consider a job more fitting for someone of his race. Malcolm X was more focused on black independence in society. These distinct differences in the two men explain the significance of their belief systems. Perhaps, it is safe to believe that Malcolm X was so enraged with his people in his "Message to the Grassroots" speech because he felt as though they were simply settling for a life being considered "less than" the white Americans. Once the belief systems of the two leaders have been analyzed, then the importance of the two events can be accessed. 

It is important to understand that both Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X fought towards the same overall goal of equality for African Americans. The events of "The March on Washington" taking place only three months before Malcolm X gave his "Message to the Grassroots" speech are important because they show the passion that Malcolm X was feeling when he urged black Americans to look within their own communities. The key differences between the opinions of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. could be seen as the driving force behind Malcolm X delivering his speech. Essentially, Malcolm X was calling for African Americans to not take the non violent approach and to refrain from accepting the mentality that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. introduced to the people. "Message to the Grassroots" was Malcolm X's was of exposing the black communities that he felt were white focused. Instead of dreaming for there to be equality in America, Malcolm X wanted the blacks to take back their freedom in a revolt. Malcolm X had beliefs that were distantly related to those of Marcus Garvey who was famous for his "Back to Africa" movement ("Malcolm X vs. MLK"). He wanted blacks to truly rise up in their communities and build from within in order to become a strong community in America. Had the March on Washington not happened only a few months before the "Message to the Grassroots" speech was given, it would not have garnered the same amount of attention. Malcolm X used the timing of this speech to recognition for his beliefs systems that he hoped would bring about change and self evaluation within the black community. 

Although the events at the March on Washington and the "Message to the Grassroots" speech held distinctly different opinions, the main interpretation of both is that African Americans desperately needed to see a change in society. Without the rebuttal of Malcolm X in his speech after the "March on Washington" took place, it would be more difficult to discover that the violent beliefs of Malcolm X were not that much different from his non violent counterpart. The events of the March on Washington allowed for Malcolm X to appear as another African American person in a society that continued to try to oppress all people that were of a darker skin complexion. The events that caused Malcolm X to become so blunt and honest with his own people show that his overall goal to was be considered somebody in a place where he had been treated as a nobody all of his life. "The March on Washington" and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have A Dream Speech" encouraged Malcolm X to show his fellow African American people that they did not have to accept being modern day slaves in a white society. His "Message to the Grassroots" speech was given in order to encourage black communities to stop relying on the help or pity of whites and to start realizing that they too possessed the power to dictate how they lived their lives. Malcolm X essentially wanted to show African Americans that they could not continue to be bullied and that silence mean't weakness. 

Malcolm X's "Message to Grassroots" speech was one that called for a powerful change of attitude within the black community. However, one can not fully understand his plea to his people and the strength of his argument until they consider the harsh culture that blacks were forced to live in during the Civil Rights era. Had Dr. Martin Luther King and other participants of the "March on Washington" not met only months before Malcolm X gave his own speech, it is possible that the "Message to the Grassroots" speech would be known for ideas that are completely different. Yet, as Malcolm X saw the non violent mentality that was becoming increasingly popular among the black community, he knew it was time he spoke his truth. 

