Letter from Birmingham jail
King Jr, M. L. (1992). Letter from Birmingham jail. UC Davis L. Rev., pg.1, 2 & 2. Retrieved from: https://lawreview.law.ucdavis.edu/issues/26/4/articles/DavisVol26No4_King.pdf
Letter from Birmingham Jail shows Dr. King’s response to a letter from several clergymen. Firstly, he indicates why he came to Birmingham hen to fight for justice because he believed all communities and leadership relates. Further, he explains his intentions of organizing nonviolent action, firstly, SCLC contested that Birmingham displayed institutionalized racism which created a platform of negotiation. The white men broke promises hence defaulting negotiations leading to protests through direct action. He points out that the protest became postponed because of the impending mayoral elections and the period of self- purification for determining the ability to work non-violently. Dr. King identified the success of Albert Boutwell, a segregationist as the leading cause of the protest. He notices clergymen’s expertise in valuing negotiation over objection; however, he holds that mediation cannot happen without protest that forms crisis and tension. The tension forces the parties to engage in bargaining in good faith (King Jr, 1992).
King Jr, M. L. (1992). Letter from Birmingham jail. UC Davis L. Rev., pg. 4, 5&6. Retrieved from: https://lawreview.law.ucdavis.edu/issues/26/4/articles/DavisVol26No4_King.pdf
Dr. King addresses the Clergymen’s untimely critique saying that patience has always proven to be good; however, justice delayed becomes unachievable. Dr. King notes that an individual has an opportunity to break unjust laws, whereby just judges uphold human dignity, and unfair laws degrade human personality, such as segregation. He points out the disappointments from white moderates who value order over justice. The clergymen portrayed an extreme claim over SCLC action, whereby, he stands between the blacks who need success but not willing to sacrifice for true equality and the more violent factions. Dr. King identifies the white church’s disappointment by facilitating injustice through their cowardice acts when they remain silent. Lastly, Dr. King apologizes for writing a long letter (King Jr, 1992).
References
King Jr, M. L. (1992). Letter from Birmingham jail. UC Davis L. Rev., 26, 835. Retrieved from: https://lawreview.law.ucdavis.edu/issues/26/4/articles/DavisVol26No4_King.pdf