9781422277799

Malcolm X called himself “the angriest black man in America.” His caustic statements about the state of race relations in America made him a favorite with journalists looking for sensational headlines.

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND caucus —a meeting at which local members of a political party vote for candidates running for office or decide on policy. economic inequality —the unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society. presidential nomination —the selection by a political party of a candidate to represent the party in a U.S. presidential election. The selection is often done by delegates to the party’s national convention. WORDS TO UNDERSTAND barrage —an overwhelming quantity of something, such as criticisms or questions. ghetto —a city neighborhood that is inhabited by members of a minority group. lynching —a form of murder that involves hanging the victim; it can be committed by a small group or an angry mob. During the the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, thousands of African Americans were lynched without a fair trial. militancy —the use of violent or confrontational methods to support a cause.

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C I V I L R I GH T S L E A D E R S : MA LCO L M X