LA Debate Script

Malcolm X

 "I am not racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation- EVERY form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color." Malcolm X knew that we were all the same and your skin doesn't define you as a person. Malcolm X lead the black community to freedom with speeches and marches in the 1960's. He believed that no one should be discriminated against based on skin tone.

Malcolm X lead the black community with a solid message and aimed his message at the children. His goal was for the children to be less ignorant on the topic of racism so we could all grow up in a more loving environment. Malcolm's friends knew that he was like this and always expressed it "Malcolm stressed Black pride and love of our heritage. 'We have been so thoroughly conditioned as a people, we no longer even know who we are" (81Malcolm X for Begginers). Malcolm always spoke his mind to spread the message he strongly believed in. He stated his opinion after his prayers, preaching to whoever are willing to listen and then some. He voiced his opinion at marches and public protests across America, and once in Africa. Once again, he wanted his message to be wide-spread, so he traveled to Africa. Even though slavery started a long time ago, the African's still thought of Afro-American's as family and were "allowed to return home" whenever they pleased.

Malcolm always had an open mind. He was always gathering different views and stances so he could work to create a love-filled community. Once Malcolm had his mind set on it, he would try his best to carry through. Of course, in that time, it wasn't always possible for him to get everything done he wanted to. Even in school, Malcolm pushed past the cruel words his teachers would speak and continued to score at the top of the classes. He knew that he was able to do anything he wanted to, as long as he worked extremely hard. Malcolm was the head of a mosque when he moved to Boston with his sister. He was a public speaker and lead racism protests alongside Martin Luther King Jr. He also was partners with famous boxer and Black Muslim speaker, Muhammad Ali, who we lost to septic shock in June of last year. Muhammed stood for freedom and, like Malcolm, was willing to do whatever it took to accomplish that. Ali was a great inspiration to a variety of people and was taken too soon in 2016, along with David Bowie and Prince. But, this isn't a eulogy for all of those we lost last year, I'm here for Malcolm X. Muhammad's summary is normally along the lines of "After befriending and ministering to boxer Cassius Clay, the boxer decides to convert to the Muslim religion and join the Nation of Islam. In February 1964, Clay announces he has changed his name to Muhammad Ali" (Malcolm X N.P). Malcolm and Muhammad split because Muhammad went against many of his own teachings. He fathered many children outside of marriage and much more happened after his world-famous fight with Sonny Liston. Muhammad stayed true to his teachings until after he won the fight that was not in his favor. After that, he changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali and all went downhill from there. Malcolm had enough with his childish behaviors and decided to break off what seemed like a never-ending friendship. Malcolm was being the bigger person and thought that Ali would just hold him back from his goal.

Malcolm always put others before himself. He took the risk of speaking out against racism as an Afro-American in a racist America. He took the chance of being burned, shot, hung or publicly humiliated for just being the ashy shade of brown he was, let alone standing out and being a voice and a symbol of hope. He put the freedom of other African-Americans before his own safety and security. The risks any of these civil rights symbols took were extremely dangerous and deadly. At any moment someone like Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr. and even JFK could've been killed or severely punished for standing up for the civil rights movement. Malcolm always had an open mind. He was always gathering different views and stances so he could work to create peace. He spoke what he thought and did what was right to him. He didn't let racial slurs or hate of any kind get in his head. He knew what he wanted, so he was going to get it.

Malcolm X took a stand for, not only African-American's, but Afro-American Muslim's. He was not starting riots, but he wasn't a very peaceful person either "Articulate, passionate and a naturally gifted and inspirational orator, Malcolm X exhorted blacks to cast off the shackles of racism "by any means necessary," including violence. "You don't have a peaceful revolution," he said. "You don't have a turn-the-cheek revolution. There's no such thing as a nonviolent revolution"(Malcolm X N.P). He continued to fight, fight with love and sometimes cruel words. But sometimes, America needs some tough love. A little push could do us good.

Malcolm spread the word of racism and always spoke his mind. He gave. African-Americans a light of hope in a world where they were viewed as lesser. He put himself after the marches, speeches and publicity. His views were frowned upon by most but he continued to speak and give hope. Any form of discrimination is pointless. Humans should be respected for being humans. There is only one race that matters. That is the human race. We shouldn't be judged on anything. There is no good reason to discriminate about anything. At the end of the day, we are just brown bags waiting to be filled.