Jennifer Perez Philosophy 380 October 16, 2017 Letter from Birmingham Jail While in jail Martin Luther King Jr wrote an open letter to 8 fellow clergymen from Alabama. These clergymen wrote in a local newspaper about their opinion on the proper way to solve a problem. In their opinion, the clergymen, suggested that the “Negro” community restrain from doing demonstrations and allow the issue be tackled in the courts. In King’s letter, he explained why he disagreed. He explained the process taken to organize a nonviolent movement by taking “Four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct actions” (78). By doing so, shining a light on the unjust laws maintained in U.S against the “Negro” community that should be changed. Any laws that disregards human dignity and distorts an individual’s worth within that community is considered unjust. …show more content…
It was obvious that the city of Birmingham had tensions that were only growing and somebody needed to intervene. Months prior to King’s letter an agreement was met with leaders of Birmingham and King. As the months passed King realized his party was deceived and it was time to prepare for “direct action”. He called the next step “self-purification” which involves demonstrators learning to override their instincts when provoked and remain clam regardless of what happens to them. After practicing some self-awareness, it was time for direct action. King organized sit-ins and marches throughout the city of Birmingham. At this point, King knew that the “tension” within the community could no longer be