A LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL

ACCUSATION #1

"However we are now confronted by a series of demonstrations by some of our negro citizens directed and led in part by outsiders."

KINGs RESPONSE

• King states why he is in Birmingham.
• King is the President of the Southern
• Christian Leadership Conference.
• There are grave injustices being done
• in Birmingham.

KINGS RESPoNSE (CONT.)

• "I have the honor of serving as
• president of the Southern Christian
• Leadership Conference."
• "I am in Birmingham because
• injustice is here."

ACCUSATION #2

"But we are convinced that these demonstrations are unwise and untimely."

KINGS RESPONSE

• He explains that the actions are not untimely.
• Had the appearance of being untimely.
• The government refused to negotiate.
• Lack of cooperation pushed these demonstations.

"The new Birmingham administration must be prodded about... We have not made a single gain in Civil Rights without determined legal and nonviolent pressure."

ACCUSATION #3

"Hatred and violence have no sanction in our religious and political traditions, we also point out that such actions as incite to hatred and violence... Have not contributed to the resolution of our local problems."

KING'S RESPONSE

• Police were extremely violent towards peaceful negros
• King challenged the police
• Said that the police should not be applauded

"I don't believe you would have so warmly commended the police force if you had seen its angry violent dogs literally biting six unarmed, nonviolent negros.

ACCUSATION #4

"When rights are consistently denied, a cause should be pressed in the courts and in negotiations among local leaders, and not in the streets.

DR. KINGS RESPONSE
Dr. King tries to explain that a negotiation must be two sided. In order for a change to happen, the government must work with them.

"While Mr. Boutwell is much more articulate and gentle than Mr. Connor, they are both segregationalists, dedicated to the task of maintaining the status quo."