Martin Luther King Jr.'s Influence On Black Culture

There’s no denying that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a profound influence on black culture. Although his life was sadly cut short, decade’s later America still celebrates him every year and his teachings live on through the lesson plans now built into our educational systems. However, black culture as we see it today was built on the ideals, perspectives, and minds of a multitude of different leaders. Take for instance, James Brown, the founding father of funk and one of the greatest civil rights activists Marcom X. While music and activism is on two very different sides of the spectrum, both of these individuals have contributed immensely to the history and values of black culture. Regardless of whether it’s dancing across a stage or assertively
standing on a stage, it was a platform that brought change to the lives of African Americans. However what’s debatable is whose voice and actions were more influential. While both James Brown and Malcom X have contributed to black culture, I believe James Brown and his musical talents had a greater influence.
By looking at the early lives of these two individuals, one can start to see similarities and uncover the vast differences in how they each handled their own personal struggles.
For example, Malcom X and James Brown both came from broken homes as well as struggled with poverty and dropping out of school. Consequently they each entered and spent years in the legal system at relatively young ages. On a positive note, the time they spent incarcerated allowed them to each find their passions and developed their knowledge and talents. Upon their respective releases they each quickly rose to the top and gained recognition for their unique talents. However, James Brown used his early life experiences to bring music with positive and empowering messages to African Americans. For instance, he wrote hits, which included “Don’t Be a Dropout” and “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud”. Songs such as those were able to influence black culture, giving it anthems of pride and educational importance. On the other hand, Malcom X’s early experiences left him seeking retribution for the racial injustices inflicted upon the African American community at that time. During this time it’s hard to argue that Malcom X wasn’t justified on his stance regarding an eye for and eye punishment as a response to racism. However, his message of violence and aggression contradicted that of Dr. King and created somewhat of a divide within his community rather that bringing it together like James Brown did with his
music.
Throughout James Brown and Malcom X’s careers they continued to develop black culture, but by bringing very different messages to the people. James Brown brought the fun and was able to uplift with messages of peace, whereas Malcom X preached to the African American community to take back what is rightfully owed to them and by all means necessary including through violence. In Malcom X’s speech titled “Ballad or the Bullet” this point is illustrated when he states, “You do too much singing. Today, it’s time to stop singing and start swinging. You can’t sing up on freedom, but you can swing up on some freedom.”1 I believe that by Malcom X sending these messages to the people he was negatively effecting black culture at this time. On the other hand, James Brown was once quoted as saying “When I'm on stage, I'm trying to do one thing: bring people joy. Just like church does. People don't go to church to find trouble, they go there to lose it.”2 James Brown was using his musical talents to bring peace and happiness while transforming the way African American music was performed and sounded. While James Brown was creating an aspect of black culture, Malcom X was directly undermining this progress and art form by what he said in his speech.
While James Brown was paving the way for African American music there’s no negating that Malcom X wasn’t doing the same in terms of the civil rights movement. History credits Malcom X with inspiring African Americans to defend themselves against prejudice and cruelty. His strong demeanor and thought provoking speeches garnered him a huge following and broke down barriers in the fight for equality. However, in my opinion, Malcom X’s aggressive approach and the obvious divide between his views and Dr. King made it harder for him to reach his objective. On the other hand, James Brown was evolving his community before his eyes. His music filled stadiums of all races and brought people together through song and dance. Most importantly James Brown created musical history and forever left his mark on black culture when he performed in Boston the night Dr. King was assassinated. An article titled “A Funk Inferno states,
“There was no turning back now, not for Brown, not for Boston, not for music. The Godfather of Soul stormed through the songs they loved best in the Garden and at home on TV, while the streets of Boston remained empty and silent, as every other ghetto in America burned.”1
The strong power that James Brown had over his community was apparent that night. He proved his ability to use his music to bring black culture joy and pride, but perhaps more importantly ease his communities’ pain. Both Malcom X and James Brown overcame great obstacles in their paths to success. Even though they had different careers and messages they were each able to touch the lives of many African Americans. However, I believe that James Browns positive nature and unique musical talent was ultimately more influential on black culture.