Chapter 12: Conclusion Summary and Analysis

Charismatic leaders are not the salvation of black people today, whose condition is in many ways worse than it was during Malcolm and Martin's day. They are important because they symbolize different ideas and approaches to the struggle for justice, but we need them brought together. Racism must be fought and still pervades American social life. Further, America is still a nightmare for the poor who can barely survive. Ronald Reagan devastated both minorities and the poor. Racism, poverty, sexism, class exploitation, and imperialism must be fought today and the legacies of Malcolm and Martin must aid us but not define us.