MLK Letter from Birmingham Jail Flashcards
Key Points of “Letter From Birmingham Jail”
Dr. King wrote this letter from jail to address criticisms from fellow clergymen who viewed his actions as “unwise and untimely”
Defense of Nonviolent Direct Action
Dr. King defends his presence and the use of nonviolent direct action in Birmingham. He outlines the four steps of a nonviolent campaign:
- Collection of facts to determine if injustices exist.
- Negotiation.
- Self-purification.
- Direct action.
Moral Obligation to Disobey Unjust Laws:
Dr. King argues there’s a moral obligation to disobey unjust laws. He draws a distinction between just and unjust laws, arguing that segregation statutes are unjust because they degrade human personality.
Critique of White Moderates:
Dr. King expresses disappointment with white moderates who are more concerned with order than justice and who advise waiting for a “more convenient season” for social change
Call for Creative Extremism:
Dr. King embraces the label of “extremist” but distinguishes between extremists for hate and extremists for love, arguing that the world needs more creative extremists like Jesus, Amos, and Paul
Important Quotes
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
“An unjust law is no law at all.”
“We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
Context of the letter
- The letter was written in 1963 during the Civil Rights Movement.
- Dr. King was imprisoned in Birmingham, Alabama, for participating in nonviolent protests against segregation
