Letter From Birmingham Jail

PART B: Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

"I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." (Paragraph 5)

Re-read paragraphs 8-13. How did direct action in Birmingham, according to Dr. King, develop over time?

After undergoing mental preparation and training, activists made considerations about the timing of holiday shopping seasons as well as the mayoral election.

What statement best describes Dr. King's purpose in writing the letter?

Dr. King sought to respond to the criticism he received from people that he considered to be colleagues by methodically addressing each of their claims.

How does Dr. King respond to the idea that he is an outsider?

He denies that he is an outsider in Birmingham or anywhere in the U.S.

Why is Dr. King disappointed with the white church?

It distanced itself from the freedom movement.

PART A: Which statement best expresses Dr. King's central argument in the text?

The presence of injustice necessitates a nonviolent response in order to repair the harms of prejudice and discrimination.

Based on paragraph 43, what is Dr. King's perspective on the future of the freedom movement?

There will be freedom in Birmingham, even without the support of the church.

The timing of the protest continued to change because...

They did not want to interfere with the mayoral election.

Dr. King's perspective of "white moderates" is that they are people who...

believe they are on his side, but may be harming his cause more than anyone else.

Dr. King believes that extremists are...

necessary to bring about change in an unjust society.

King claims that direct action must be used because...

powerful groups are unlikely to change on their own.

King argues that unjust laws...

should not be obeyed.

According to Dr. King, the public should focus on...

the courageous actions of civil rights activists.

What is civil disobedience?

the purposeful breaking of an unjust law in a peaceful manner