This study examines Black-Latino/a race relations at predominantly white institutions focusing on the Pullman campus of Washington State University (WSU), where Black and Latino/as make up 17% of the student population. Focus groups will be conducted with students and in-depth interviews with faculty members and staff to unpack the complexities of Black-Latino/a relations at Washington State University. In such interviews, I will expose common histories, struggles, and the strained relations both of these groups have with one another on campus. The literature review focuses on the complexities, complications, and commonalities of Black-Latino/a relations operating on a larger context in society, and affecting the dynamics between these two groups today. Themes included within the literature review are common histories of the struggle, stereotypes, intergroup contact theory, coalition building, and Black-Latino/a relations in higher education. Two theories are used to situate and analyze Black-Latino/a relations in great depth: (1) critical race theory, originally developed by legal scholars, and (2) intergroup contact theory. Critical Race Theory will aid to understand the relationship of Black and Latino/as relations related to conceptions of race in the U.S., racism, and power. The intergroup contact theory deals with explaining prejudices and other preconceived notions that affect relations between Blacks and Latino/as. I suggest from the findings of the literature review that the strained relations between Black and Latino/a students at WSU, limits activism and friendships that can arise from alliances and coalitions. Therefore, the study posits that students and faculty can take initiative to build bridges on campus between Blacks and Latino/as, to bring both groups together in order for activism and social projects to thrive and benefit our communities of color.

The principle objective of this research is to contribute to a critical body of work by recent scholars who have challenged the popular understanding and the perceived differences of both Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Minister Malcolm X. Scholarship has not yet adequately compared and contrasted the political messages and insights that each leader presented in the final years of his life. This research engages with Malcolm X’s and MLK’s later works, which were critical for understanding new developments in their political messages and strategies. In order to comprehend the final years of both leaders, this paper will use a close reading of primary and secondary sources to provide a comparative analysis of their work. Also, the paper seeks to explore the commonalities and divergent strategies that MLK and Malcolm X used in their final messages and suggests ways that these messages are still relevant to US society.