Final answer:
Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. had somewhat different philosophies on achieving civil rights. Malcolm X preached Black nationalism and potential violence for self-defense, while MLK promoted nonviolence and racial integration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The philosophies of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. are best described as somewhat different. While they both aimed for social justice and the advancement of civil rights for Black people, their approaches and beliefs on how to achieve these goals diverged significantly. Malcolm X, influenced by his involvement with the Nation of Islam and the teachings of Elijah Muhammad, advocated for Black nationalism and separation from White Americans, often expressing distrust towards White people and occasionally supporting the notion that violence in self-defense was justified. He also supported ideas of Black supremacy and was open to the concept of eventual emigration of Black people to Africa.
On the other hand, Martin Luther King Jr. promoted nonviolent protest, civil disobedience, and the integration of African Americans into mainstream society. King's iconic leadership during the Civil Rights Movement is marked by his nonviolent approach and his belief in working within the existing political system to accomplish change. Their only meeting on March 26, 1964, indicates that despite their differences, both men shared a commitment to the cause of civil rights but differed sharply on the methods to be used for its advancement.