Most people do not realize the sacrifices and risks that civil rights leaders had to make. Civil rights leaders constantly risk their lives and freedom. Civil rights leaders fought for equality and freedom for African Americans. Over 70% of African Americans suffered segregation and discrimination during the civil rights movement. African Americans only supported each other, so during this time African Americans valued civil rights leaders. During the civil rights movement, many leaders helped African Americans deal with the changes they were experiencing. Some African Americans admired civil rights leaders, because they were African Americans, so they knew what it felt like to be mistreated by whites. African American leaders wanted change to come. In other words, most civil rights leaders were African Americans who wanted to end segregation and have equal rights. Therefore, African Americans listened to civil rights leaders, because their courage and knowledge helped African Americans during the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. made African Americans aware that changes needed to be made when it came to segregation laws. Segregation was a way for white society to separate itself from African Americans. Segregation dehumanized African Americans, because they were always treated as outcasts. According to David Howard-Pitney, author of “Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm Pitney 42). In other words, King informed African Americans that segregation laws were created to unfairly treat all blacks and whites who were not wealthy. ...... middle of paper ......lm X risked freedom for African Americans. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm 'equality. Although they had different approaches; Both Malcolm X and King had an impact on African Americans during the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. shared his knowledge of segregation with African Americans. King also warned African Americans that it may take time to change the cone. In other words, he told African Americans that segregation laws would not be changed in a day. However, Malcolm X wanted African Americans to stand up for themselves and fight for their rights. He wanted African Americans to fight for their equality and was willing to help them if necessary. Overall, the wisdom of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X helped African Americans.