Dr. King
The author of "Letter from Birmingham Jail," Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a famous and influential activist during the period of Civil Rights struggle in 1960's America. The "Letter" reflects many of his central philosophies, including those of nonviolence, civil disobedience, justice, and human dignity.
the clergymen
As explained in the "About 'Letter from Birmingham Jail'" portion of this Note, Dr. King wrote his letter in response to an open letter written and published by eight white clergymen from Birmingham. They were of various Judeo-Christian faiths.
In their letter, the clergymen criticized Dr. King and the SCLC for their activism, while commending the Birmingham police. Though Dr. King structures the "Letter" as a direct response to the clergymen, they are ultimately a means through which he addresses white moderates in general and society at large.
Eugene “Bull” Connor
Connor was the Commissioner of Public Safety in Birmingham during the period of the protests. Known for his vicious attitudes towards blacks, he was an admitted racist and is best known today for his use of firehoses and dogs against nonviolent protesters. He ran for mayor shortly before the SCLC action began, but lost to Albert Boutwell.
Albert Boutwell
Boutwell was elected Mayor of Birmingham shortly before the SCLC action began there. He was a less vitriolic man than his opponent, Eugene "Bull" Connor. When the clergymen argued Dr. King ought to have waited to give Boutwell a chance to address segregation, Dr. King countered that Boutwell's gentleness should not distract from the fact that he was nevertheless a segregationist.
St. Thomas Aquinas
A 13th century Italian Dominican friar, priest and philosopher who combined Aristotelian philosophy with the principles of Christianity.
St. Augustine
An early Christian philosopher and theologian.
Martin Buber
A 19th century Jewish philosopher concerned mainly with dialogue between men as fundamental to human existence.
Reverend Stallings
One of the authors of the "A Call for Unity" letter that prompts Dr. King's response. Dr. King commends Rev. Stallings, a white Baptist minister, for opening his church to black Christians.
