As this story is filed on Feb. 18, it is a reminder that on this date in 1965, Malcolm X delivered his final public address at Barnard College, three days before he was assassinated at the Audubon Ballroom. Barnard College is only a few blocks from Riverside Church where Dr. King, two years before in 1967, delivered one of his most memorable speeches. The geographical proximity of these great leaders, two years apart, has greater irony when you consider that the war in Vietnam, brotherhood, and unity were important topics for both speakers.
Of deeper significance is the growing rapprochement between them, particularly on Malcolm’s part with his presence on three occasions at events where Dr. King was a featured speaker or attendee. Malcolm may have voiced some sarcasm about the historic March on Washington, calling it a “farce on Washington,” but nonetheless, he was there. When Dr. King returned from Oslo, Norway after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, an event honoring him was held in Harlem at the 142nd Street Armory. Malcolm showed up and sat next to Andrew Young, who left the stage to greet him.
The third occasion was more deliberative when Malcolm journeyed to Selma, Alabama and spoke at Brown Memorial Chapel. At that time, Dr. King and Rev. Ralph Abernathy were in jail, but Malcolm met with Mrs. King, who had been coaxed by Andrew Young to meet with Malcolm. According to Mrs. King, Malcolm told her that he had Dr. King’s “back.” From this moment, she gained a better understanding of who Malcolm was and began convincing her husband of this newfound respect.
Malcolm and Martin only met once, and that was in the nation’s capital where both were there to witness the senate discussion on the Civil Rights Act. The photo of them together has been published numerous times. What was said has never been reported. But there is every indication that an accord and a mutual respect was taking shape between them.
In this centennial year of Malcolm’s birth, his unflinching resolve and challenge of racism, white supremacy, capitalism and imperialism, to say nothing of a similar stance taken by Dr. King, are more needed than ever. As we commemorate the lives and legacies of these two valiant warriors, their lives snuffed out at 39 years of age, let us join the increasing outrage against the Trump administration and its authoritarian rule. We are excited to see that a critical mass of protest is slowly emerging. Let it spread and grow!