Similarities Between Frederick Douglas And Malcom X

For some education is a foregone conclusion, particularly those who are wealthy and have means to attend an institution of higher learning. Education is not the sole purview of the wealthy, while having means provides a lower bar for entry, lack of means does not prevent one from enlightening the self. Such is the case for both Frederick Douglas and Malcom X, two men who enlightened themselves without access to the wealth that tethers education to those of the upper class. Hard work and determination can win the day and bestow a freedom that only an advanced education offers. These two men are shining examples of what can be accomplished when someone refuses to be denied an education. This story tells about, Malcolm X and Fredrick Douglas,†¦show more content†¦As Malcom X emphasized, â€Å"Mr. Muhammad, to whom I was writing daily, had no idea of what a new world had opened up to me through my efforts to document his teachings in books†. (444) Becoming a minister of M uhammad, he fought for African-Americans civil rights. Fredrick Douglass who started life as a slave on Master Hughes plantation was taught to write by his Mistress in the beginning. As time went on Douglass’ Master forbade his wife from teaching Douglass any more lessons. Douglass has often said, My mistress, who had kindly commenced to instruct me, had, in compliance with advice and direction of her husband, not only ceased to instruct, but had set her face against my being instructed by anyone else†. (403) Douglass was heartbroken as his Mistress’s ceased to teach him and his thirst for knowledge grew. When Douglass first became the Mistress’ slave, she treated him with respect, took care of him, and began to teach him the basics of education. After being told by Master Hughes to stop Douglass’s education the Mistress went above and beyond that order. Where she once would bring them newspapers to read together, she would now not let him anywhere near a newspaper for fear of her husband’s repris al. Even through all this he still yearned to learn. In order to finish learning how to read Douglass constructed a plan. He planned to learn to read by making friends with