Malcolm X was a prominent civil rights leader who advocated for self-defense and armed struggle in the fight for African American rights. He believed in the necessity of protecting the black community against racial violence and oppression. His views contrasted with those of more pacifist leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. Malcolm X emphasized Black nationalism and the importance of pride in African heritage. He became a powerful voice for African Americans, advocating for racial justice "by any means necessary." His philosophy significantly shaped the civil rights movement and left a lasting legacy in discussions about race and resistance.