I think that Malcolm X was the most remarkable historical figure produced by Black America in the 20th century.
Manning MarableIn November 1963, [Malcolm X] gives his famous message to the grassroots address in Detroit, which really kind of marks off the real turning point in his own development.
Manning MarableThe guards didn't carry weapons. Malcolm X had insisted that the guards not carry firearms that day [February 21, 1965].
Manning MarableNow, of course, people know that over the last several months prior to February 21st, 1965, the OAAU and MMI tried to get away from the old practices of checking people at the door for weapons. They wanted people to feel more comfortable.
Manning Marable