Final answer:
Some civil rights leaders did argue for separation between races, with figures like Malcolm X believing in self-determination for African Americans at different points in time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some leaders of the civil rights movement argued for separation between races is true. During the civil rights era, there were various strategies and philosophies among movement leaders. While mainstream leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for nonviolent protest and racial integration, other leaders and groups such as Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam believed at various points in their history that separation was necessary due to the deep-seated racism in American society and the failure of integration policies.
They argued that African Americans should establish their own systems and institutions as a means of empowerment and self-determination. However, this perspective was not universally accepted or practiced by all civil rights activists, many of whom fought tirelessly for integration and the dismantling of all forms of segregation.
The complexity of the civil rights movement is reflected in the diversity of its leadership and strategies. While the ultimate goals of equality and civil rights remained common among activists, the means to achieve these goals varied significantly. Such nuances are vital for understanding the historical context and evolution of the movement. Leaders who supported separation did so in the belief that it was a necessary step towards later integration or as a form of protection from the persistent racial injustices of the time. Although, the more dominant narrative of the civil rights movement champions the triumphs of integrationist efforts like the Brown vs. Board of Education ruling and the passage of major legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968.