The speech I chose was “The Ballot or the Bullet” by Malcolm X. This speech was given on April 3rd, 1964 in Cleveland Ohio. He gave the speech to help the black community have equal rights. Malcolm X stood in front of a crowd to present The Ballot or The Bullet, one of the greatest speeches that has ever been uttered on American soil. Since Blacks were denied their civil liberties, either the ballot (democratic means or by votes) or the bullet (violence) is next. Malcolm says “blacks will either get their rights or they will rebel against the government.” Malcolm X was a Muslim minister. Malcolm X was a revolutionary and a leader. Malcolm X believes that the Black community needs to put aside their differences and unite and tell the leaders of the communities and country.
Legislation change must come and a decision needs to be made immediately or else those leaders will force a hostile climate. Malcolm X had it rough growing up with his family. They were forced to move twice under threat of death by his 4th birthday due to countless death threats. Then in 1931, when Malcolm was only 6 years old, he had to face the fact that his father was found dead on a pair of trolley tracks. Malcolm lived a rough childhood getting involved in many questionable activities. Then in 1946 Malcolm was arrested for burglary and sentenced to seven years in prison. From there on, Malcolm was transformed forever as he converted from his Baptists roots to the Muslim tradition.
