Letter from Birmingham Jail Martin Luther King Jr.

About the Author Enrolled in college when he was 15 years old. Was the first African American to be named Time magazine’s “Man of the Year” Won the Nobel peace prize in 1964 Was arrested 30 times for his activisim He was described as an eloquent, shrewd, and visionary

Words to Know Allusion: is a reference writing a work to historical, literary or cultural details. Deductive reasoning – occurs when a writer arrives at a conclusion by applying a general principal to a specific situation.

Summary This is an excerpt from his letter responding to the criticism of white clergymen. MLK Jr., justifies his direct action approach to ending segregation in the South. He alludes to religious and philosophical leaders and events to legitimize the campaign’s methods and goals. Recalling the deplorable conditions that led to the direct-action campaigns, King stresses that the goal is to force negation. He argues, relying on the ideas of St. Thomas Aquinas and others for support, that people have a moral obligation to disobey unjust laws, and he invites the clergymen to support his efforts.

Group Questions Where was King when he wrote his letter? To whom does King address the letter? Why does King usually not respond to criticism of his work and ideas? What are the four basic steps for a non violent campaign? What circumstances justify a nonviolent campaign?

Group Questions Cont What type of laws does King define? In what ways should people react to just laws? Unjust laws? What will happen to oppressed people if they cannot express their feelings? Page 1215 – questions 1-4, 6 and 8