Booker T. Washington and Malcom X are both considered important and influential figures in black history. Washington was born into slavery and had to navigate slavery while also trying to pursue an education. Malcom X was born in the 1920s, post-slavery, but he was incarcerated at age 20 for 6 years for burglary. Both men were very passionate about educating themselves, even though they went about it in different ways. Since Washington was a slave, he had to get creative when it came to attending school and finding opportunities to learn before he eventually attended what is now Hampton University. Similarly, Malcom X would read dictionaries while in prison and would teach himself. These two figures had very different ideologies concerning racism and black rights, and these differences are especially apparent in their autobiographies.
From the beginning of Washington's biography, his assimilationist view is present. He claims that "not only did the members of [his] race entertain no feelings of bitterness against the whites before and during the war, but there are many instances of Negroes tenderly caring for their former masters and mistresses" (Washington 9). This view is very different than the common rhetoric that surrounds slavery, considering its inhumane nature. As Washington grew older and continued to pursue higher education, he believed that black people should work with the system, and proper treatment would come after. This shows that he was optimistic about the future, but also willing to struggle and conform to a system built against him.
On the other hand, Malcom X had almost the opposite viewpoint. While he was in prison, he made an effort to educate himself by teaching himself how to read using dictionaries. He also made an effort to learn about the horrors of slavery and read books like Uncle Tom's Cabin. He believed that "history has been so 'whitened' by the white man that even the black professors have known little more than the most ignorant black man about the talents, rich civilizations and cultures of the black man." (Malcom X 1869) This passage shows that he was determined to learn his history and fight back against the erasure of black history. Unlike Washington, he felt that assimilating to white society would allow oppression to continue. As a result, he joined the Nation of Islam and believed strongly in self-defense, and he wasn't opposed to violence.
Overall, Booker T. Washington and Malcom X were two very successful self-made men who worked hard to educate themself. Their education led them down different paths, with Washington using his knowledge to promote patience and cooperation with white society. In contrast, Malcom X used his education to challenge the system and push back against racism. Washington believed equality would come over time, while Malcom X felt that black people should demand respect and take pride in their identity. These differences show how their life experiences shaped their views and made them the key figures they are today.
