A Letter from Birmingham Jail is an open letter written on April 16, 1963 by Martin Luther King while he was incarcerated for protesting segregation in Birmingham. Alabama. He wrote the letter in response to another open letter, “A Call for Unity,” made by eight white clergymen from Birmingham who had criticized his strategy of nonviolent protest and civil disobedience. Those eight white clergymen argued that his protest was not a right response to conditions in Birmingham, Alabama. Thus, King decided to write a letter to inform them what was on his mind.
A “Letter from Birmingham Jail” is a powerful defense of his strategy of nonviolent resistance. King argued that it was not only morally justifiable, but also necessary to reach justice in a society which is unjust. King explained that he and his followers were members of the community who were seeking to end segregation and discrimination in the city of Birmingham, Alabama.
“Letter from Birmingham Jail” Summary
King begins the letter by addressing eight white clergymen who had criticized his political activities unwise and untimely. He explains that he responds to their criticisms because he believes that they are men of genuine good will and their criticisms are sincerely set forth. King explains why he is in Birmingham. As president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), he was invited by one of its affiliates in Birmingham; Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights (ACMHR) to engage in a non-violent direct-action program. Also, he said that he found injustice in Birmingham, and the citizens of Birmingham have been waiting for too long for justice.
King denies the accusation that his actions are illegal. He points out that unjust laws are not morally binding. To bring attention to the injustice of segregation, he and his followers are willing to suffer the consequences of their actions. In the letter, King cites the examples of Socrates, Jesus, and other great thinkers who were willing to disobey unjust laws to bring a change. Also, King responds to the charge that he is an extremist. He explains that he is only encouraging the fulfillment of the American promise of freedom and equality for all people. Throughout history, those who have fought for justice have been labeled extremists. It is necessary to be extreme in the pursuit of justice if the situation demands it. King expresses that his extremity is for love, not for hate. He refers to some great figures who proposed to go the extreme for the noble cause such as Jesus Christ, John Bunyan, Abraham Lincoln, and many more.
King admits the difficulties of the struggle for justice. However, he also expresses his belief in the ultimate triumph of justice and the power of nonviolent resistance to bring a change. King urges the clergymen and all people of good will to join in the struggle for justice and to work together to create a better world. In the letter, King conveys the importance of moral courage and the willingness to take risks in achieving justice. He wrote that the real measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and ease, but where he stands at times of the challenge.
Next, King conveys his disappointment to white moderates, who are more devoted to order than to justice and prefer a negative peace. As a result, that made it easier for the injustice of segregation to persist in Birmingham, Alabama. King believes that white moderates cannot discriminate between the nonviolent action and the violence of the oppressors. Also, he is shocked that white moderates will blame the black victims for the violence of segregation.
The series of accusations against King depressed him as he considered himself too optimistic. But at the same time, King also appreciated some white moderates who supported African Americans in their endeavors. And, some white moderates extended that support through actual participation in all kinds of demonstrations. However, King could not hide his disappointment to white moderates. King, who is a religious leader, traced the faults in the religious system which accelerated injustice against black people. Unfortunately, only a few of white ministers supported desegregation because it was the law. For religious leaders, the decision to separate the gospel from social issues is a safe way to shield themselves from any responsibility.
King said that the contemporary church often has a weak, and ineffectual voice with an uncertain voice. The American population of the 20th century, particularly the youth, is losing its faith in the church. King encourages the structure to recapture the sacrificial spirit of the church to avoid losing its authentic ring and to prevent forfeit the loyalty of million people. King presses on the infallibility of his community’s struggles by calling out to the successes of the past for a bright future.
King hopes the church will fight the challenge. But if the church does not come to help a justice, he does not have despair about the future. King said that he is not afraid about the outcome of his struggle in Birmingham. He will reach the goal of freedom in Birmingham and all over the country because the goal of America is freedom. African-Americans have been in America and endured slavery before the nation reached its freedom from colonization. If they have already sustained these forces, then they can stand the contemporary opposition. In addition, he also emphasizes that they will win their freedom because of the sacred heritage of their nation.
Before King closes the letter, he mentions about the leaders who praise the Birmingham police for keeping “order” and preventing violence. King does not believe that the leaders commended the Birmingham police warmly if they saw angry dogs biting six Negroes without being armed and did not do violence. Also, he refuses to participate in marveling at the bravery of the Birmingham police when their own men are bitten down by the dogs. At the end of the letter, King apologizes for the long length of his letter. He admits that it is all he can do in a jail cell. Also, he asks for forgiveness for his understatement or overstatement of the truth.
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