The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation

Louise taught her children to “walk with pride” (129). She countered the inferiority she feared was imparted by white school teachers and taught them the lessons of her grandparents. She was a disciplinarian who encouraged them to develop a relationship with God rather than one religion. Malcolm felt that his parents treated him differently because of his lighter skin. His father favored him while Louise was strict. Tubbs notes that Louise was harder on Malcolm because they resembled each other. He was also rebellious and assertive, seeing his mother standing up for her autonomy and her children’s rights. Malcolm was the first child to leave home. Alberta supported Martin’s drive for education at an early age, and at 15, he was admitted to Morehouse College. She always emphasized her son’s self-worth and encouraged him to believe in himself despite the discrimination he experienced as a young Black man.

Berdis tried hard to protect her son but she could not shield him from poverty and racism. James felt he never had a childhood. He was always helping his mother as the oldest child and often felt his safety threatened by the inhumane behavior of others. Still, Berdis made sure he focused on his education.