The Ballot Or The Bullet By Malcolm X - 1352 Words

The Civil Rights Movement is a period of the United States history that most people see as an era in the past. The Civil rights movement brought about reform and change that made people of all races and ethnicities equal in society; however, some 60 to 70 years later, there is struggle for true equality for all races and ethnicities in America. In Malcolm X’s speech â€Å"The Ballot or the Bullet,† Malcolm X believes that civil rights are human rights, and all African Americans are â€Å"justified in seeking civil rights, if it means equality of opportunity†(Malcolm X 362). When using Malcolm X’s definition of civil/human rights, it is clear that even in society today, not all races have reached equality. African Americans are still fighting for†¦show more content†¦The ballot is a powerful tool and, as described by Malcolm X, â€Å"It was the black man’s vote, that put the present administration in Washington, D.C. Your vote, your dumb v ote, your ignorant vote, your wasted vote put in an administration in Washington, D.C.†(358). Malcolm X is attempting to prove to African Americans that their votes truly mater, and if a majority supports a cause, then they will have the ability to change it. Presently, African Americans are doing their part to bring about change and in the most recent presidential elections 66.2% of eligible African Americans casted votes (usnews.nbcnews.com). The more African Americans that vote means stronger support for their social issue and potential for progression in the African American search for equality. One Problem that Malcolm X argues which African Americans need to protest and push for is unsegregated schools and communities. Malcolm X believes that segregated schools produce â€Å"children who, when they graduate, graduate with crippled minds† (369). Even today, years after education reform and the official desegregation of schools, segregation still exists in America’s public school system. According to a research study by The University of California, 74% of African Americans attend schools that contain 50-100% minorities. Even more startling is the fact that 38% of African Americans attend schools that are