Mlk Letter From Birmingham Jail Analysis

When one thinks about the civil rights movement, the first name that comes to mind is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He contributed greatly to the advancement of African American people in the U.S.; however, in the case of the Birmingham Campaign, it was a collective group effort from numerous local leaders and MLK that peacefully protested for, and eventually gained, the rights that all American citizens deserve. Few mention the efforts of local leaders like Fred Shuttlesworth’s work with Project “C”, James Bevel’s orchestrating of the Birmingham Children’s Crusade, Wyatt Tee Walker’s organizing confrontations with city officials. MLK’s own brother A.D. King, who played a part in the eventual success of the movement, is often left out of these
MLK says, “[I] am here because I was invited here,” and also, “I am here because injustice is here.” These were direct responses to the questions posed by the clergymen in “A Call for Unity.” Next, he explained the four basic steps of any nonviolent campaign: collection of facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action. MLK believed the people of Birmingham had gone through all of these steps. Also, he addressed the injustices that African Americans had faced in the Birmingham courts, as well as the numerous unsolved bombings. MLK then explained why his associates and he “[did not] give the new city administration time to act.” He states that the new city administration must be pressured early in order for them to act. Also, he states that although Boutwell is a “much more gentle person the Mr. Connor…we are sadly mistaken if we feel that the election of Albert Boutwell will bring the millennium to Birmingham.” Later in his letter, MLK explained that he believes segregation is a sin because is denies African Americans their basic human rights. He also says that one has a “moral responsibility” to disobey unjust laws. Then, he explains the difference in a just law and an unjust law. “A just law is a man made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law…One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty.” MLK also discusses that he is upset with the white moderate because they are more concerned with keeping order than attaining justice. The main focus of the letter is to help spread the message of civil disobedience. MLK believed this was the best way for African Americans to