March on Washington: Perspectives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X

Vocabulary flashcards detailing key historical terms, figures, events, and philosophies related to Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and the 1963 March on Washington.

Satyagraha

A philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi meaning 'truth force' and 'non-violent resistance,' which Martin Luther King Jr. adopted while studying theology at Boston University to oppose injustice without hatred or violence.

Agape

A Christian doctrine meaning 'unconditional love,' which shaped Martin Luther King Jr.'s perspective and his dream of peaceful societal integration.

Birmingham Campaign

A peaceful protest where innocent people, including children, were attacked by police dogs and firehoses; documented by global media, it embarrassed the U.S. during the Cold War and pressured the government to act on civil rights.

The "Big Six"

A group of civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., who met with President John F. Kennedy on June 22, 1963, to secure political backing for the March on Washington and convinced John Lewis to tone down his speech.

John Lewis

A speaker who was persuaded by Martin Luther King Jr. and other members of the Big Six to tone down his march speech and remove direct criticism of the Kennedy administration to keep the protest peaceful.

"I Have a Dream" speech

The famous address delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963, before approximately 250,000 participants, highlighting economic injustice, lack of freedom, and his vision of an integrated society.

Emancipation Proclamation

An order signed by Abraham Lincoln declaring that anyone held as enslaved people 'are, and henceforward shall be free,' signed exactly 100 years prior to the 1963 March on Washington.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Federal legislation passed by the United States government as a direct result of political pressure generated by the March on Washington and civil rights activism.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Federal legislation enacted following the momentum and pressure created by the March on Washington and Martin Luther King Jr.'s peaceful campaign.

Nation of Islam (NOI)

A religious group Malcolm X joined while in prison after learning about Black pride; he later discouraged its members from taking part in the March on Washington before leaving the organization for Hajj.

Malcolm Little

The birth name of Malcolm X, which he later changed to honour his ancestry after serving a prison sentence for burglary.

"Message to the Grassroots"

A speech delivered by Malcolm X at King Solomon Baptist Church in which he shamed the March on Washington as 'a picnic, a circus. Nothing but a Circus, with clowns and all.'

"Farce on Washington"

The derogatory phrase used by Malcolm X to describe the March on Washington, based on his belief that the event was co-opted by the Kennedy administration to appease white supremacists.