When he suggested that change should be brought about “by any means necessary,” Malcolm X was

Malcolm X’s phrase “by any means necessary” expressed his belief that Black Americans had the right to defend themselves and pursue civil rights without ruling out force. It contrasted with the nonviolent approach associated with leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. Therefore, the best choice is “stating violence would be necessary to achieve civil rights goals,” though the phrase meant force could be used if needed, not that violence was always necessary.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.