Alabama Clergymen
What did these same clergymen issue in January of 1963?
"An Appeal for Law and Order and Common Sense"
Who were demonstrating?
"Negro citizens" led by "outsiders"
What is the final statement of the letter?
"We appeal to both our white and Negro citizenry to observe the principles of law and order and common sense."
How many clergymen took part in the letter/public statement?
8
When is the letter dated?
April 12th, 1963
Events in what city gave indication that "we all have the opportunity for a new constructive and realistic approach to racial problems"?
Birmingham, Alabama
T/F: The clergymen express the belief that facing racial issues can only best be accomplished by white locals
F; "white and Negro" of their "metropolitan area"
Where did the clergymen believe that legal arguments should take place?
In the courtroom, NOT on the street
How does Dr. MLK, Jr.'s approach to racism juxtapose that of the clergymen?
MLK's is idealistic while the clergymen's is constructive and realistic
T/F: Hatred and violence have no sanction in their religious and political tradition
T
T/F: The clergymen seek a realistic approach to racial problems
T
T/F: the letter takes ownership of the racial problems
T; it is their state, not the outsiders' state; they should be involved rather than the outsiders
To what does the letter appeal?
citizenship, responsibility, community, and logic
What are two prominent problems revealed by the letter?
demonstrations are led by outsiders and state/local leadership is valued more than federal/outsider leadership
What has there been evidence of since the clergymen released "An Appeal..."?
increased forbearance and a willingness to face facts (responsible citizens started working on problems that had given rise to racial tension)
What are clergymen?
male priests, ministers, or religious leaders, especially Christian
Do extreme measures bring hope?
no
Do the clergymen think that an action that is not violent but that incites violence (i.e. provokes peace keepers to assault) contributes to the resolution?
no
What part of the argument are "we recognize" and "but we are convinced"?
qualifier
What virtues do the clergymen wish the public and law enforcement officials to practice as demonstrations continue, respectively?
restraint and calmness; hope the law enforcement will "continue to protect [the] city from violence"
Do the clergymen value state or federal laws more?
state
What opinion did the clergymen express in "An Appeal for Law and Order and Common Sense"?
that the courts could properly handle honest convictions in racial matters, and in the meantime, people should obey the already-established laws of said courts
How does responsibility play a role in the letter?
the clergymen determine that the locals are responsible for facing and confronting racism because of their knowledge and experience of it in that geographical area
Who do the clergymen commend for handling the demonstrations peacefully?
the community as a whole, local news media, and law enforcement officials in particular
What is the problem with demonstrations, according to the clergymen?
they are led by outsiders (i.e. MLK and colored people)
How do the clergymen describe the demonstrations?
unwise and untimely
What do the clergymen call on African Americans to do?
withdraw support from the demonstrations, and to unite locally in working peacefully for a better Birmingham
Did the clergymen desire a reply from Dr. MLK, Jr.?
yes
Do the clergymen call the racial situation local?
yes
