Martin and Malcolm

If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were never assassinated I would like to think a meeting between the two to discuss working together for the future would have went something like this…

January 16, 1969. We open to an empty office room space, safe for the presence of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He is currently awaiting the arrival of minister Malcolm X so they can sit together and discuss their ideas of collaboration. From the third story of this building Martin Looks out of the office window anxiously awaiting Malcolm’s arrival. While looking out of the window at the busy city below known as Montgomery, Alabama, a knock on the door suddenly breaks his concentration. The door opens to reveal a slanted smiling Malcolm X.

“Good morning, doctor.” Malcolm began. “Minister, come right in.” Martin continued. Malcolm made his way to a chair right across from Martin and took a seat so they could begin their meeting. “How is Coretta and the children?” Malcolm asked. “She’s well, glory be to God. How is Betty and your little ones?” Martin asked. “They are strong and able.” Malcolm answer. “Well now minister X, I think it’s safe to say we are maintaining incredible family life.” “I couldn’t agree more, Dr. King.” Malcolm said with a chuckle. “I wish the same could be said for every Negro in America.” After a brief pause Martin addressed Malcolm’s concerns.

“You know, Malcolm. With all the fighting for Justice and equality that we’ve done, our people are still in a terrible place.” “I couldn’t agree more, reverend.” Malcolm added. “Part of why we’re still in this mess of a situation is because we lack a healthy sense of unity. So many people think they have to be either pro-Malcolm or pro-Martin, but the truth is this world needs both of our strategies.” Martin gave a slow smile and nodded in agreement. “Malcolm when you and I were at odds I saw smiles of satisfaction on the faces of the enemies of Black freedom and equality. That was exactly what they wanted, to have us fighting against each other so we would be too distracted to fight against them.”

“And for a time it worked.” Malcolm added. “I knew they were trying to put us against each other, but our firm beliefs in where we disagreed had us too headstrong to set aside our differences and not play into their schemes. I’m not the same person I was all that time ago, reverend.” “Neither am I, Minister.” Martin added. “We are not perfect, Malcolm. We have made mistakes because we are human, but all we can do from this point on is learn and grow from those mistakes, strive to be better.” “I concur.” Malcolm added. “Reverend I know have said some not so savory things about you in the past.” “Stop it, really?” Martin responded jokingly as Malcolm laughed along. “Yes it’s true believe it or not, but I think differently now and after seeing everything you put on the line I firmly believe in my heart that you are a true advocate for the struggle against our oppression.”

“Once upon a time I too viewed you as a problem amongst our people, minister.” Martin began. “But now I know that you are not the problem, you are just another form of the solution. We may be different, but imagine the things we could accomplish for our people if we joined forces and tackled the woes of the Negro together.” “There would be nothing that we couldn’t stand against.” Malcolm added. “Reverend, we would also be inviting more opposition to our cause. Of course you’re already aware of that.” “Of course.” Martin added. “But if you accept those terms, then so do I, minister.

Malcolm extended his hand to Martin and Martin extended his own hand and shook Malcolm’s. They realized they had a mighty war ahead of them, but they accepted the consequences warranted because they knew the price was worth it. “So what do you think should be our first initiative, Malcolm?” Martin asked. “We’re going to have to network with other Black activist and leaders.” Malcolm answered. “There is strength in not only numbers, but solidarity. We all have someone who can be reached by our words and actions, so let’s reach out to each other.” “I am prepared.” Martin agreed. “Let’s go to work.” said both men, simultaneously.

This story is a fictional, but real interpretation of how I believe a conversation about how to move the Black community forward would have taken place between Dr. Martin Luther King and Minister Malcolm X. Thank you both for all the work and sacrifices you both made for our community.