The mainstream media have depicted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X as adversaries in the civil rights movement, instead of two men working toward the same mission, said theologian James Cone Monday night.

That mission, Cone said, was for blacks to develop a sense of confidence and strength as a community.

“Both Martin Luther King and Malcolm X were 39 years old at the time of their deaths,” Cone said. “Both were fighting for the same cause, but using different means to achieve that goal.”

Nearly 200 people attended the speech in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union, titled “Malcolm & Martin & America: A Dream or a Nightmare?” which concluded Iowa State’s activities celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.

Cone’s lecture discussed the principles of black liberation theology, which is the viewing of religion as a means for African-Americans to overcome societal oppression.

Using examples and quotes from both King and Malcolm X, Cone compared and contrasted the lives of both men and the impact of their respective lives on America today.

While King is remembered as an American hero, Malcolm X is viewed as a violent separatist, Cone said. “When Malcolm X is remembered, he’s remembered as a ‘black leader,’ someone who did not have an influence on the United States as a whole,” Cone said.

“We must not romanticize nor denigrate [King and Malcolm X], but see them as they saw themselves and each other — examining their assets and liabilities that characterize all leaders.”

While King’s work in the civil rights movement spurred obvious political and social changes in America, Cone said, Malcolm X inspired a different kind of change — an invisible transformation in the thinking of black Americans.

“You wouldn’t have black studies [programs at universities] without Malcolm X,” Cone said. “He started a revolution in the minds of black people, one that was slow, gradual and permanent.”

Mary Sawyer, associate professor of religious studies, introduced Cone and related her experiences learning from the theologian as a divinity student at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

“When I read [Cone’s] books, I was so glad someone had put something in writing that made sense to me as someone who worked for social justice,” Sawyer said. “He has taught us to examine theology from the bottom up.”