In Martin Luther King Jr.’s letter from Birmingham Jail, he explains to his fellow colleagues in the clergy why he chooses nonviolent direct action during the civil rights protest. Martin Luther King Jr. , the president of the Southern Leadership Conference was asked by an affiliate in Birmingham to be on call to engage in a nonviolent direct action program. King complied because of the injustice and felt it morally necessary to take part in the elimination of segregation. King’s nonviolent campaign had four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self purification; and direct action.
King encouraged and participated in direct action such as sit-ins and marches. His purpose of a direct action plan was to create a situation that is crisis- packed and will inevitably open the door to negotiation. King says that he does not advocate evading or defying the law. He states that one who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept penalty. Since the negro community has been oppressed, there are many pent-up resentments and latent frustrations that need to be released. They should be allowed to go on freedom rides and prayer pilgrims.
These are nonviolent ways to express emotion, and that should be understood. If they are not allowed to do so, King says the demonstrators will seek expression through violence, as that is a fact of history. To stand by and accept injustice is wrong, to fight injustice with violence will lead to the end of segregation. King was dedicated to his cause and he was always willing to negotiate with officials to end segregation. During one of his marches, King was arrested and incarcerated at the Birmingham City Jail. Throughout his letter King makes it clear that the end of injustice for segregated negros is with unity and fairness for all Americans, something so pure will only be obtained peacefully.
The Dissertation on Martin Luther King 21
“I have a dream that one day my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character” (“Martin Luther King Jr.”). These wise and upholding words of confidence and determination changed the face of America during a time of hate and discrimination. King’s inspirational leadership and speeches helped make a ...
King’s insight and strong Christian belief gave him courage and hope, that one day his dream for all will be realized.
