MLK - Letters From The Birmingham Jail

Essay by PaperNerd ContributorCollege, Undergraduate November 2001

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In Martin Luther King's essay, "Letter from the Birmingham Jail," King justifies that his actions as an outsider in Birmingham are acceptable, and that he will not sit idly by as injustice presents a threat to justice. According to King, "Whatever effects one directly affects all indirectly." I agree that the black community must not sit idly by and allow injustice to rule over justice. The black community must take actions that will defend and proclaim justice everywhere.

Like King, I believe that the black community of Birmingham had waited long enough for the equality and human rights issues to be resolved. For years the black community had heard the word "wait." The word "wait" that rang in the ear of every black person had become a synonym to the black community that meant "never." The Constitution of the United States declares that all men are created free and equal.

Over one hundred fifty years have passed since the document was signed. Why should the black community still be waiting for equality? The Holy Bible inspired by God, also states that God created all men equal, and that mankind was created in God's image. Aeons have passed since God created mankind. Why should the black community still be waiting for equality? Therefore, I believe that the black community should employ an action plan. An action plan of involvement that will not allow mankind to be lulled into a waiting game.

I believe that laws are made to justly apply to all people. A just law is one that uplifts and protects. An unjust law is one that degrades people and allows fear and oppression to be the dominant force. The enforcement of a just law unjustly will keep people oppressed. Who are the enforcers of the just laws?...