Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. composed “Letter from Birmingham Jail” while incarcerated in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. He had been jailed for taking part in organizing a peaceful protest. The protest challenged the racial segregation practiced by the city government of Birmingham and by retailers in the city. He wrote the letter in response to a statement published by eight white clergymen in Alabama criticizing him for being unwise and untimely, and for battles against prejudice and segregation to be waged in courtrooms rather than in the streets. The letter addressed several local religious figures Dr. King had counted on for support. King's letter, in turn, identifies and responds to each of the nine specific criticisms that he understands …show more content…
King’s arguments. I will address three beginning with the argument on behalf of direct action. King explains that this was meant to dramatize racism and make sure that the community at large was forced to confront the issue by getting up in everyone's faces, so to speak. Doing so, they sought to establish a non-violent, creative tension. King also argues the appropriateness of public demonstration. Citing that that the white power structure of Birmingham left no other alternative other than public demonstration because of the unremitting violence, continued racist practices of local merchants, and the unwillingness of the political leaders to negotiate. Dr. King believes and argues that there are three reasons why it is appropriate for him to be active in working for civil rights in Birmingham even though he doesn't claim permanent residence there. First and foremost, he compares himself to the apostle Paul, who was also called to carry the gospel of freedom beyond his own birthplace. Secondly, He is president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which is a national organization whose Alabama chapter invited him. Lastly, King points out that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice