By Lauryn Rooker
Staff Writer
On February 11, 2010, a historical convocation took place in Townsend Auditorium. Reverend James Cooper portrayed Malcolm X, while Reverend Archie Smart portrayed Martin Luther King Jr. Through their powerful performance, we were reminded that February is Black History Month, as well as what it is truly about.
Both Malcolm and King spread their message through powerful, hard-hitting speeches. However, their intentions were delivered in different styles and for different purposes. King was basically a peaceful leader who urded non-violence in his followers. He traveled about the country giving speeches that inspired black and white listeners to work together for racial harmony. Malcolm X, for the most part, believed that non-violence and integration were a trick by the whites to keep blacks in their places. He was furious at white racism and encouraged his followers through his speeches to rise up and protest againt their white enemies. Malcolm X and Martin Luther King had two totally different backgrounds and two totally different upbringings.
On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech, which will forever go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. This convocation displayed how we all have the same problems and how we are all in the same boat. When we stop looking at people’s colors and genders and instead look at their character, everything will be better. Our hearts are what define us and we all need to live a good purposeful life for the betterment of others.
At the end of the convocation it became evident that Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X eventually began to share the same views. America needed gifted hands and gifted minds, and we all need to let our skills shine through. So stand up, rise up, and be proud of who you are. Love the legacy that came before you, and honor it. Then, make your own legacy. Be a voice, not an echo.
