Who was Malcolm X, and what did he advocate regarding Black liberation?

• A. A pacifist leader who promoted universal integration.
• B. A political leader who supported electoral strategies within the existing system.
• C. A Black nationalist leader who urged self-defense, Black pride, and, at times, separatism; later advocated coalition-building.
• D. A labor organizer who focused on urban farming.

Answer: (C)

Malcolm X’s approach to Black liberation centers on Black nationalism and self-determination. He argued that Black people should build their own institutions, control economic resources, and take pride in Black identity. He emphasized self-defense in the face of racial violence and, at times, supported separatism as a path to safety and autonomy. This wasn’t about passively accepting integration or relying solely on political processes within the existing system. Yet, later in his career, after broadening his horizons through international travel and dialogue, he moved toward building coalitions with other civil rights movements and solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide. This combination—Black nationalism with a willingness to collaborate across races and movements when possible—best captures his evolving stance on liberation.

The other descriptions don’t fit because they describe approaches that Malcolm X did not primarily advocate: pacifism and universal integration; relying mainly on electoral strategies within the current system; or labor organizing focused on urban farming.