During late 1963 and 1964, the civil rights movement grew in extent, visibility, and power. Despite that, racism was still government-sanctioned and excluded Blacks from the political process. In this turbulent period, two names became symbols of resistance and gave one personal voice to the black movement: Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.
Malcolm X based his philosophy in a more aggressive and extremist black movement. He characterized whites as devils, supported black nationalism, racial pride, self-respect, and self-discipline. While Martin Luther King Jr. based his philosophy on non-violent civil disobedience, refusal to inflict injury upon another, and pacific protests.