Letter from Birmingham (Notes)

• Pg.1 King's letter was written to address the clergymen criticism of his actions. THe called what he did "unwise and untimely" ( I wondered why they felt that way). King addressed the clergymen respectfully and letteing them know that he still considered them to be good men.......King was asked to be a part of a noviolent direct-action program and he agreed.
• Pg.2 He advised that his reason for being in Birmingham was due to the existance of injustice. Used biblical examples.....King believed that anyone living within the US should be considered an outsider.....He regretted that fact that demonstrations had to take place. He also felt there was no choice due to the way blacks were being treated....Kings' four basic steps for any nonviolent campaign: Collection of facts to determine whether injustices exist, negotiation,self-purification, and direct action.....The African American leaders tried negotiating but their efforts were unsuccessful.
• Pg.3 Many promises were made by the leaders of Birmingham's economic leaders. They were all broken.....Ex.The removal of many racial signs from stores. Nonviolence workshops were held. In the workshops they asked the following questions:Are you able to accept blows without retaliating? Are you able to endure the ordeal of jail?
• Pg.4 King's quotes: "We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntairly given by the oppressor: it must be demanded by the oppressed." "Justice too long delayed is justice denied"
• Pg.5 Two types of laws said King....just and unjust. "One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws" King.......King and his followers believed they had a legitimate reason to be impatient.
• Pg.6 King defines just and unjust laws: just-a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. unjust-a code that is out of harmony with the moral law.....Was arrested and charged with parading without a permit. He believes there is nothing wrong with the charge if it is not used to maintain segregation.
• Pg.7 Believed that injustice must be exposed....Still considered whites as brother/sister. Did so when referring to th eletter he recieved from a white man in Texas. The man in Texas believed that King was being impatient and quoted: "All Christians know that the colored people will recieve equal rights eventually, but it is possible that you are in too great a religious hurry."
• Pg.10 Did not believe that oppressed people would remain oppressed. Also believed that because Negro's had so many frustrations and resentments, they should be able to march, go on freedom rides, etc. These are all nonviolent actions.
• Pg.11 King was thankful that his white southern brothers understood social revolution and gave their support......Was disappointed with the white church and its leaders.
• Pg.12 Went to Birmingham hoping that the white religious leaders would understand and support the cause.....Question who their God was
• Pg.13 King never lost his faith in God.
• Pg.14 King never lost faith in the church....was disturbed tby the clergymen commended the police in Birmingham for maintaining order and nonviolence. He believed they would regret saying so if they knew the violent force used
• Pg.15 King wished they had commended the AA sit-inners and demonstrators for their courage.