Summary Of Malcolm X Ballot Or Bullet

On April 3, 1964, at a meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, a gentleman by the name of Malcolm X, formally known as Malcolm Little, gave an emotional speech entitled “Ballot or Bullet.” During the year in which the speech was given, racism against blacks, segregation, riots, killing and boycotting were very prevalent. The year 1946 was also very significant because it was the first election in which blacks were allowed to vote. In his speech, Malcolm X expected to persuade African Americans to stop attacking one another and unite in the fight against the oppression and degradation of the white man. As Malcolm X began his speech, he started by greeting his moderator, the reverends, friends, family and his enemies. As soon as he walked out in his professional attire

and sharp look, when he began to speak, you knew that his speech would be nothing flattery, socially or politically correct. The first impression that Malcolm X created was on that the speech was serious and straight to the point without trying to sugar –coat what he was about to say. During his speech Malcolm X revealed how to get blacks more empowered.

One major and important point that Malcolm X made in his speech was the importance of Blacks becoming politically educated. He believes that Blacks must become understand politics and politicians’ lies, truths and missions, in order to elect officers that will effectively represent black communities in the government. As a result of this understand, Malcolm X predicts that black communities will begin to flourish. Malcolm X also stresses the importance of investing in black owned businesses. He says that when black owned businesses are started and become successful that there would be an increase in jobs available for more blacks, therefore they won’t have to work for a white man, which despises them. In his speech he makes it known that one must come together to fight white oppression, and support black business and societies that promote Black Nationalism and uplifting. Malcolm X’s speech was very informative and structured very well. There was a clear start, middle and end of his speech. The end of the speech was indicated by the presence of repetition and parallelism. These two techniques were used to reiterate the points of his

speech. The uses of repetition along with the heightening volume of voice, helped indicate to the audience that his speech was coming to an end. Overall Malcolm X's speech was very motivational. During a pivotal time in history, Malcolm X’s speech conveyed to the audience, the importance of black unity. Racisms and black hatred toward one another are problems that are still relevant in today’s society. Malcolm X’s speech is still relevant to the 21st century because we too need to learn how to work together to begin to fight for freedom of governmental control and manipulation.