Letter from Birmingham CityJail Summary and Analysis

Dr. King responded to a public letter from a group of concerned Alabama Clergy. He expressed concern that they were more disturbed about maintaining the status quo than the underlying conditions of demoralized Negroes who continued to be oppressed. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" (p. 290).

As ministers, Dr. King expected the signers of the letter to have compassion and caring for the suffering of all men. A certain level of tension had been present across America for centuries, and was becoming evident preparatory to positive changes. The nonviolent actions were intended to bring attention to the moral wrongs affecting the Negro population. They knew that the word "wait" meant "never" in respect to gaining full citizenship. In disobedience to immoral laws, they showed full confidence and trust in the moral laws of...