“The Letter from the Birmingham Jail” was written secretly upon scraps of paper with fragments of pencil that were smuggled in to Martin Luther King Jr. while he was confined in the Birmingham jail for his leadership role in non-violent protests against the racist segregation policies of the state of Alabama.
It is one of the mightier arguments of the previous century, and its moral scope and depth of reflection catalyzed the world to action in its time. It’s ethical vision remains deeply relevant today, as hate-groups, racial discrimination, and the debilitating effects of entrenched poverty are once again being felt so keenly in the land.
It has elements both of an evaluation and proposal argument, arguing as it does both for the moral rightness of non-violent action and for the end of segregationist policies as degrading to the human spirit.
As you read, keep in mind that King had no library at hand to consult, no internet resources, and it was created while he sat inside a 6′ by 6′ cage. Talk about grit and a growth mindset!
Your assignment:
Read MLK’s essay and answer the Questions for Discussion on page 249 in fully developed responses that offer quotations from the article in support.
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