Martin Luther King Jr. – The Letter from Birmingham Jail

1) What kind of injustice did Martin Luther King find in Birmingham?

Martin Luther King, one of the most dominant civil rights leaders of all time who never gave up till justice, was in his hands. He found Birmingham to be injustice because of the way people were being treated. “Influenced by the view which argues against out-siders coming in” (King 174). Martin Luther King was very determined to go through with the injustice in Birmingham, “…so am I compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town” (King 174). He then became concerned of the “city’s white power structure left the Negro community with no alternative” (King 175). This city at the time was beginning to be known as the most segregated place in the United States of America. The Segregation between Negros and whites lead to many issue such as; …”grossly unjust treatment in the courts, more unsolved bombings of Negro homes and churches in Birmingham then the entire nation” (King 175). “Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial, outside agitator idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds” (King 174). This quote really shows Kings determination towards fighting for the freedom of all Negros in the nation and not only in Birmingham. Despite the harsh conditions King showed no sign of weakness or repent, he was steadfast in his beliefs. Unfortunately, regardless of King’s efforts, segregation still exists in the United States of America, it may not be as intense as it used to be but it’s still known to exist.


Works Sited

Martin Luther King Jr. “The Letter from Birmingham Jail” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford St. Martins,2006 pp 102-110.