A memorandum sent to field offices of the FBI set goals for what was termed as a new "counterintelligence program" against African American Nationalist groups. The objective was to block attempts by targeted groups to coalesce, grow and exist. The agencey believed unity was the "first step toward a Mau-Mau-style uprising" in the United States and the beginning of an "Black Revolution." The FBI hierarchy further believed their efforts would prevent the rise of a "Black Messiah" who could unify and "electrify" the masses. Top candidates for this leadership position were Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr.