Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’
Memorable Quotes from 'Letter from Birmingham Jail'
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, May 16, 2021
1. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ Marker
Inscription.
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’. Memorable Quotes from 'Letter from Birmingham Jail'.
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ . The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter From Birmingham Jail" is the most important written document of the Civil Rights Era. His eloquent justification of the movement and its tactics inspired moderates to join the struggle for racial equality.
On Good Friday, April 12, 1963, King, the Rev. Ralph Abernathy and others marched near Kelly Ingram Park in violation of a court order against demonstrations opposing segregation. Police Commissioner Eugene “Bull” Conner arrested the group and transported them to the Birmingham City Jail. Eight white ministers published a plea for blacks to be patient and rely on the courts instead of direct action to achieve their goals.
While incarcerated in a small, cell, King scribbled arguments and quoted philosophers, patriots and scripture. King argued that confrontation was necessary to pressure whites to negotiate in order to achieve social justice. He wrote, "Justice too long delayed is justice denied.” His lawyers took the bits and pieces of paper to campaign coordinator Wyatt Walker who organized and edited the thoughts to about 7,000 words. The letter was dated April 16 and published in May, 1963.
Unveiled April 16, 2013 by Elder Bernice King, Gov. Robert Bentley and Mayor William Bell.
Memorable Quotes from 'Letter from Birmingham Jail'. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness."
“Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue.”
“One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws."
“Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."
A Joint Project by Leadership Birmingham Class of 2011-2012 and Alabama Tourism Department
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter From Birmingham Jail"
is the most important written document of the Civil Rights Era. His
eloquent justification of the movement and its tactics inspired
moderates to join the struggle for racial equality.
On Good Friday, April 12, 1963, King, the Rev. Ralph Abernathy
and others marched near Kelly Ingram Park in violation of a
court order against demonstrations opposing segregation. Police
Commissioner Eugene “Bull” Conner arrested the group and
transported them to the Birmingham City Jail. Eight white ministers
published a plea for blacks to be patient and rely on the courts
instead of direct action to achieve their goals.
While incarcerated in a small, cell, King scribbled arguments and
quoted philosophers, patriots and scripture. King argued that
confrontation was necessary to pressure whites to negotiate in order
to achieve social justice. He wrote, "Justice too long
delayed is justice denied.” His lawyers took the bits and pieces
of paper to campaign coordinator Wyatt Walker who
organized and edited the thoughts to about 7,000 words.
The letter was dated April 16 and published in May, 1963.
Unveiled April 16, 2013 by Elder Bernice King,
Click or scan to see this page online
Gov. Robert Bentley and Mayor William Bell.
Memorable Quotes from 'Letter from Birmingham Jail'
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are
caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in
single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly,
affects all indirectly."
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of
creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness."
“Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and
foster such a tension that a community which has constantly
refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue.”
“One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey
just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to
disobey unjust laws."
“Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a
mighty stream."
A Joint Project by Leadership Birmingham Class of 2011-2012 and Alabama Tourism Department
Erected 2013 by Leadership Birmingham Class of 2011-2012 and Alabama Tourism Department.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. A significant historical date for this entry is April 16, 1963.
Location. 33° 29.764′ N, 86° 49.317′
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, May 16, 2021
2. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ Marker
W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Beta Street south of 6th Avenue South, on the left when traveling south. Located in front of the Birmingham City Jail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 409 6th Ave S, Birmingham AL 35205, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, May 16, 2021
3. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 710 times since then and 236 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on May 16, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
