Malcolm and Martin - #BlackHistoryFact

 

Did you know that these two iconic leaders only meet once? On March 28,1964; after a press conference at the U.S. Senate, King has a brief encounter with Malcolm X. King writes in his autobiography "I met Malcolm X once in Washington, but circumstances didn't enable me to talk with him for more than a minute." The photos were taken because both men happened to be in the Capitol building that day to listen to politicians debate the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which would later pass.

King's use of nonviolent civil disobedience and Malcolm's "by any means necessary" stance were in direct contrast to each other.  So for many, photos from that date represent both the yin and yang of the black community. 

Malcolm X was assassinated before the two would ever be able to meet again.  Three years after Malcolm X's assassination, King would also be assassinated.  Both men were 39 years of age at the time of their deaths.