Summary Of Mlk Letter To Birmingham Jail

Martin Luther King Jr. was imprisoned for doing a peaceful protest in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963 and decided to write a long letter to the clergymen of the town and see why they had just stood by. MLK wrote an excellent letter discussing all of the difficult topics about the race issue in society. MLK stated his letter off with calling out the clergymen’s comments about the demonstrations. He furthers his argument by explaining that the demonstrations were not “untimely and unwise”. He emphasizes the fact that he helps all the organizations in his church community and that they did not do the same in Birmingham where they needed it the most. King gives many specific accounts from the Bible to help tell his argument and to tell the Clergymen

MLK explains what it was like to just keep on waiting and my favorite part comes out of the letter, “justice too long delayed is justice denied”, (pg. 2). In the letter time should not be viewed as an obstacle in fighting for equal rights. From history there should be a learning process where society learns from the past and does not make the same mistake again. MLK explain that the United States is very slow in coming around to a non segregated society. While every other country is on a fast track to equality. It hurts a society in multiple ways and it drives people and everything else apart. MLK said that there were some laws broken, but explained the difference between just laws and unjust laws; giving examples of Hitler and the Hungarian freedom fighters. MLK makes two confessions. One, he is disappointed in the white moderates and the second being disappointed in the church. Another one of my favorite quotes from MLK’s letter about white moderates is, “lukewarm acceptances is much more bewildering than outright rejection” (pg. 3). King said this in context to the KKK rejecting blacks rather to the white moderates who were indifferent and were the ones telling the African Americans to

King did a wonderful job explaining to the clergymen that what they were doing was wrong, King did that in such a way where it did not even seem like he was telling them off but he made his points clear. He justified is actions with examples from the bible and even with examples that didn't fit with the religion. He talks about Socrates for a few of his examples as well. King’s stance on the matter was trying to make the others see what was really going on and why it needed to stop soon and why it is hurting our country. American Exceptionalism needed to be for everyone and not just the white people in American. It it either works for everyone or it works for no one. Segregation can not work for much longer and King was willing to do everything he could to make that known and I think reading his letter was just what needed to be said . Although King was a bit rushed for time and didn't have the proper conditions to write the letter he said everything he needed to say in a very well put argument and manner. He brought up his argument and he brought up counterarguments that fit perfectly into everyone's religion. This is an iconic letter and it needs to say that way. I agree one hundred percent on what Mr. King had to