Malcolm X was an instrumental force in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Though initially associated with black separatism and Nation of Islam ideology, over time his views changed dramatically to support Martin Luther King’s nonviolence strategy.
His charisma, verbal skills and social analysis drew activists to his message. Even after threats and attempts on his life, he never faltered in his commitment to fighting for justice.
1. Be the change you want to see in the world
Malcolm X was an inspiring leader and philosopher who transcended discrimination, violence and exploitation to become an effective advocate for disenfranchised communities. His message of armed self-defense, Black power and Black pride remains relevant today; while his radicalism critiqued racial capitalism while encouraging mainstream black leaders to recognize struggles for black dignity as part of global human rights movements.
After being released from prison, Malcolm returned to the Nation of Islam as minister and traveled extensively across the United States speaking to Black audiences about unity among African-Americans, Afro-Caribbeans and Asians – including survivors from Japan’s internment camp system during World War II – by way of speaking engagements at local communities and speaking events at Black venues across America. Malcolm stressed the necessity for Blacks to work together; he applauded how this collaboration had helped Londoners address racism. Malcolm established his new organization, Organization of Afro-American Unity which welcomed all people of color while Malcolm felt particularly prideful about having included Japanese members among its ranks who had survived Japan’s internment camp system during WWII.
He often referenced in his speeches the distinction between “house Negroes” and “field Negroes,” an idea stemming from slavery when Black people lived within their master’s household and worked fields simultaneously. According to King, house Negros were more civilized as they loved their master more than themselves; while field Negros, on the other hand, lived in attics or basements of slaves’ houses where no education was received and they often held negative feelings toward their master.
Malcolm asserted that house Negroes must learn to love themselves and appreciate all they had received from their enslavers, such as music, dance and language. He encouraged blacks to educate themselves against oppressive forces while fighting back.
Malcolm was widely revered for his activism and influence; however, he failed to amass significant wealth during his lifetime. This can be attributed to his commitment to fighting for racial equality and empowering black communities rather than building wealth through property ownership. Malcolm’s example of taking alternative paths to success serves as an excellent lesson in resilience that can inspire entrepreneurs and innovators today; learning to adapt to adversity will ultimately lead to more success over time.
2. Resilience is a mindset
No matter the setting, resilience can be an invaluable asset in helping individuals and teams flourish. Resilience is a mindset that can be nurtured over time through intentional practices and techniques; rather than something inherent to any particular person it can be fostered through emotional intelligence, self-esteem building techniques, positive psychology techniques and the support of trusted networks.
Resilient people have an ability to remain positive, accepting change and not afraid to admit their errors in order to grow even when faced with hardship. Resilient individuals also take control of their emotions by not letting negative feelings linger; they don’t fear admitting mistakes but learn from them instead.
Individuals exhibit resilience differently depending on their cultural upbringing and personal beliefs. Some cultures place greater value on individual achievement and independence than others; individualists may be more resilient than those belonging to collectivist cultures which prioritize group goals and achievements. Resilient individuals are able to navigate difficult situations by recognizing their strengths and finding ways to improve themselves.
Resilience involves more than simply managing or overcoming difficulties; it involves also making sense out of them and finding meaning from them. Being able to articulate a narrative that links past, present, and future is crucial in building resilience; according to Vaclac Havel: “Hope does not just lie in believing something will turn out well; rather it comes from believing life makes sense regardless of how events play out” (Panter-Brick & Eggerman).
Although research on resilience is extensive, more can be done regarding its definition. Some researchers are taking an ongoing longitudinal approach by looking at resilience across an individual’s lifetime – including looking at its effect from trauma events that alter someone’s resilience over time.
3. Embrace change
Change is an inevitable aspect of life; whether positive or negative, beneficial or debilitating, we must learn to accept it if we wish to thrive. Each change presents us with an opportunity for learning and growth; becoming resilient to change will enable you to adapt quickly to changing situations and overcome obstacles both personally and professionally.
At times of stress, it can be easy to focus on how difficult things could become or spiral into fear or despair. But it is also important to realize there are things you can do to feel better such as practicing self-care, cultivating healthy mindsets, and striving towards your goals. When you can control your emotions it will become easier to accept change more readily.
Malcolm X endured much tragedy and hardship throughout his life, yet managed to emerge triumphant as one of the most influential African American philosophers of his era. He believed in self-determination and racial pride; his activism inspired many others to promote equality for all people. Malcolm is remembered not only for advocating self-defense and Black power but also education as essential elements in making change possible.
Change can bring with it discomfort and uncertainty, yet accepting it requires effort. Once you can recognize and overcome any fears associated with change, however, the benefits will become apparent.
Altering your perspective is an effective way to alter reality without making physical modifications. It is crucial to keep in mind that your thoughts and feelings are as real as the events in your life; therefore, cultivating positivity and a can-do attitude are vital practices – ultimately they’ll determine the outcomes of all events that take place in your life! You can hear more stories of accepting change and finding success on The Ikonns podcast.
4. Stay positive
Life presents many obstacles, whether they are business venture failures, family tragedies or grieving the death of loved ones. When these situations arise it is important to keep in mind that these temporary setbacks will pass and that you possess the strength within yourself to overcome them. Spending some time reflecting on all of the positive things in your life can serve to remind you about its treasures while encouraging forward movement.
Malcolm X was an important leader of the civil rights movement and an inspiring example of resilience. After suffering violence, poverty, and discrimination as an infant – including experiences that included physical assault – he decided to dedicate his life to improving African-American communities. Through teaching young people self-reliance and pride as part of self-determination education; encouraging people to recognize the worth of their culture; criticizing mainstream civil rights activism’s emphasis on integration and nonviolence for more proactive approaches towards racial justice he pioneered more active strategies toward racial justice.
His teachings on the interdependency of all oppressed peoples encouraged solidarity, which he showed through his work in prison. In his final year before being assassinated, he broke ties with the Nation of Islam in order to better reflect his evolving views on black empowerment by founding Organization of Afro-American Unity.
Though faced with numerous threats, he never wavered in his commitment to fighting for racial equality – something which continues to inspire activists today.
One key to remaining positive is understanding your emotions and their effects on your mindset. Engaging in mindfulness practice or using stress management methods such as deep breathing or going for a walk may help keep things under control and remain calm even in challenging circumstances.
Malcolm was assassinated at age 39 but remains an inspiration to those working towards social change. His social criticism and advocacy for racial justice continue to shape movements such as Black Lives Matter.
