I am currently writing an essay on King and Malcolm X and was wondering if I could paraphrase some of his words (I already have more than enough quotes) and include the word negro in it or if I had to change it to something more acceptable. Thank you
If in a relevant quotation, yes, of course. If not, no. Use "African," or "African-American," as appropriate.
I would suspect if you are quoting someone (and giving a quote attribute), it is completely acceptable and preferable to use the accurate quote, regardless of any politically incorrect terms it contains.
But if you are writing it as your own interpretation of a quote then I would use modern terminology instead.
For example, I would consider the following two phrases acceptable:
"I shall never rest until I have undone the harm I did to so many well-meaning, innocent Negroes..." ~Malcolm X
"Malcolm X claimed he would never rest until he had undone the harm he perceived he caused to so many blacks by..."
If in doubt, ask your teacher.