Letter From Birmingham Jail

Martin Luther King faced criticism for being in Birmingham as an outsider. Explain this criticism,and his response to his rationale for being there.

Martin Luther King faced criticism for being in Birmingham as an outsider. Explain this criticism,and his response to his rationale for being there.

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In the early 1960s, Birmingham Alabama was one of the most oppressive and divisive places for blacks in America. Martin Luther King called it the most segregated city in the country. King felt that this would be the best place to begin his campaign for equality. Dr. King explains that he has read the recent statement published by clergymen in a Birmingham newspaper, describing Dr. King’s recent activities in the city as “unwise and untimely.” Though he does not usually respond to criticisms – he receives far too many for that to be practical – he believes these men are “of genuine good will” and hence do their criticisms deserve an answer. King felt that direvt action had to be taken right way if Negro Americans were to hold any hope for equality in the future.