Martin Luther King, arguably more than any other figure, shaped American life from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s. During this time, the population of African Americans, which was barely recognized as anything more than a minority, followed King to the "dream" of societal reform, and equality between Blacks and Whites. King's factual and reasoned approach intended to win his adversaries over by appealing to their consciences. From his peaceful persuasion, to imaginative solutions …showed first 75 words of 748 total…

…showed last 75 words of 748 total…optimistic about separatism for most of his life. Some historians have said that later on in their lives, they had taken the opposite roles and changed. The speeches of King and X reflected both men's visions on improving America. Both men believed that if blacks were to attain freedom, they first needed to achieve self-respect. However, Malcolm X's speeches were delivered in a revolutionary tone, which could incite his listeners to hatred of white America