Letter From Birmingham Jail

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The Letter From Birmingham Jail In Martin Luther King?s ?Letter From Birmingham Jail?, Dr. King addresses many points made in a the public statement by the Alabama Clergymen. Dr. King explains the motives and goals of the civil rights movement. He also addresses the racial problems within Birmingham and why change was needed.

First, Dr. King addresses the point made by the clergymen that outsiders were leading the demonstrations in Birmingham. Martin Luther King responded to this statement by explaining that the civil rights movement is organized across all of the southern United States. He mentions that he is the head of the SCLC and he has organizational ties to Birmingham. Dr. King also explains, ?I am in Birmingham because injustice is here.? Dr. King felt he had to address the problems in Birmingham. Martin Luther King goes on to explain how he ?cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham.?

The goal of the civil rights movement was to gain equal rights for African Americans in the entire United States, including Birmingham.

Also, Dr. King was told by the clergymen that the problem within Birmingham was local and needed to be dealt with on a local level. In response, Dr. King states, ?Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.? Any injustice to African Americans is a threat to all African Americans. Martin Luther King goes on to explain how the problem in Birmingham has continued for a while and not been resolved. He tells the clergymen that ?Birmingham is probably the most thoroughly segregated city in the United States.? Therefore, the local problem would not be able to resolve itself.

Another point made by the clergymen was that the demonstrations incited hatred and violence. Dr. King explained to the clergymen...