Lexi Stadalsky

Sourcing

What

This photo is of Martin Luther King Jr. with Malcolm X after King’s press conference in at the U.S. Capitol about the Senate debate on the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This was the first and only time these two historical figures met.

When

This photograph was taken on March 26, 1964.

Where

Who/Creator

This photo was taken by American photojournalist Marion S. Trikosko. This photo was digitized by the Library of Congress.

Contextualization

The hotspots in the image contextualize the photo and analyze its historical context.

• Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. During his time as a leader, African Americans made more progress toward racial equality than ever before. He is known for his advocacy of non-violence and his “I Have a Dream” speech. He focused on peaceful protests and civil disobedience._[2]

• Malcolm X

Malcolm X was an African American Civil Rights leader, particularly in the Nation of Islam. He was a minister and human rights activist. He believed in doing anything necessary to combat racism- including violence. This often was compared to the nonviolent teachings of Martin Luther King Jr._[3]

Corroboration

There are a couple of sources that will help historians comprehend the significance of this photo. Listed below are sources that provide more information on the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcolm X.

Additional Sources

“The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Long Struggle for Freedom Civil Rights Era (1950–1963).” Library of Congress, October 10, 2014. https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/civil-rights-act/civil-rights-era.html

“Civil Rights Movement.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, August 21, 2018. https://www.history.com/topics/civil-rights-movement

[3] “Malcolm X.” Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, September 2, 2021. https://www.biography.com/activist/malcolm-x

[2] “Martin Luther King Jr..” Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, January 13, 2021. https://www.biography.com/activist/martin-luther-king-jr

Citations
[1] Trikosko, Marion S, photographer. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X after King’s press conference at the U.S. Capitol about the Senate debate on the Civil Rights Act of. , 1964. Photograph. https://www.loc.gov/item/92522562/.