Letter from Birmingham Summary

Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham" was a response to a clergymen's letter in the Birmingham Newspaper. Martin Luther King tries to justify the need for nonviolent direct action, the immorality of unjust laws, the increasing possibility of a "Negro" choosing extreme anarchy, and his disappointment with the Church, who had not lived up to their responsibilities.

King begins with an explanation saying that nonviolent action will help and that the actions of African Americans are overdue and well planned. He goes on to say that promises have been broken before by politicians and that its time to be treated equal. He didn't want violence; he just wanted the 1954 ruling to be upheld. He doesn't feel as if he and the others have broken the law.

He goes on to say that even though breaking the law is not the way to achieve rights, "an unjust law is no law at all" (King, 658). Also, he thinks that African Americans will continue to do what is necessary to obtain their rights, so he says "let them march" (662).

Furthermore, he says that history has shown if a person or people are ignored they will fight for their "God-given" rights. He diligently explains that "black nationalist" groups are becoming common but still has faith that the "Negro church" has had an influence in keeping the violence from breaking out. Finally he tells us about his frustration with the church in general. He feels that the church has avoided its responsibilities to the African American people, hiding behind their stained glass windows.

He summarizes the letter by making the point that he hopes the church will see its responsibilities and understand the need for direct action, the justification of unjust laws and the risk of violence if they are not heard.

King, Martin Luther Jr. "Letter from Birmingham." Conversations: Reading for Writing. Jack Selzar and Dominic Delli Carpini. New York, NY: Pearson Longman, 2006. 654-668