Analysis Of Letter From Birmingham Jail By Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The letter from Birmingham Jail, written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while in a jail cell was written to address certain problems going on in the African-American community. The letter was especially directed towards the clergymen. Martin states how his protests were considered unwise and ferocious, but in reality, his protests were nonviolent and the police were the ones who ignited the violence. King explains the necessary steps for a nonviolent campaign and states that Birmingham in his eyes is the most segregated city in the United States mentioning that there have been more African American bombings in Birmingham than in any other city. When the time for negotiating arrived certain agreements were promised, but they later realized they had been lied to once again. Once recognizing help was never going to be received they prepared themselves for direct action. The non-violent direct action forces those ignoring the

Martin states he is slightly satisfied for being considered an extremist. King gives different types of extremism. There are extremists for hate and extremists for love. There are extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the cause of justice. He notes that the world and especially the South are in serious need of inventive extremists. Martin is also dissatisfied with the white church and its leadership. Martin expected support from the white church along with its leadership. He imagined the white church as one of his strongest allies. King was expecting people from Birmingham to understand his cause and help him end this unfair treatment. Martin mentions some of the cruel things police would do to African Americans. They would curse at them and even hit them. Police dogs would bite unarmed protestors and leave them badly wounded. Even without the help of the church Martin Luther King is certain, the outcome will be the same. There will be freedom in Birmingham and all over the