Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Martin Luther King Jr. was a minister and an activist in the 1930s-1968. He believed in racial equality, and fought his entire adult life for this freedom. In “Letter from Birmingham City Jail” King writes to those who are calling his actions “‘unwise and untimely’” and he explains the heinous crimes that are taking place in Birmingham, as well as, how he plans to right this wrong. Thomas Paine was a philosopher and writer in the nineteenth century. Many of his writings took place during a time…

African-Americans faced in the pursuit of equality and justice during the mid 1950’s to 1960’s, and the role Martin Luther King Jr. played in his attempt to overcome such inequalities. During this time period, racial segregation was prominent, especially in the southern states. The government justified such segregation based on the 14th Amendment’s wording of “separate but equal”. However, many African-Americans were dissatisfied and demanded true equality. It was not until the mid 1960’s,…

Maya Angelou was a well known poet and civil rights activist. People thought very highly of her because of how well she wrote she wrote her poems and books. She worked as a storyteller, autobiographer, activist and poet. Out of all of her careers, was most famous for her writing (Maya Angelou). Maya Angelou was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 1928. She was also a dancer, an actress, and a screenwriter. Her name given at birth was Marguerite Johnson (Maya Angelou Author, Activist, Civil…

On April 16th, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr composed a letter to eight clergymen in order to defend himself and answer to the criticism presented from said clergymen. In Martin Luther King Jr’s letter from Birmingham City Jail, he argues why the use of direct action, such as marches and sit-ins, are justified. He begins to discuss facts that injustices are still present. Shortly after that he details one of the many causes of direct action; due to a lack of negotiation. The author then talks of…

black demonstrators “to withdraw from demonstrations (Wright, Barnett. Par. 4).” Dr. King felt persuasion by the request of his long-time desperation that was ringing in his heart. However, his letter is not only to the white clergyman, or the Christian, but also the black men, and to every single listening ear. The purpose of Dr. King Jr’s letter is of an open register among the deafest ears. Centered in the midst of segregation, Dr. King is able…

she found a way to pick herself back and accomplish so many amazing things. Maya Angelou was an unreligious woman moving from job to job, she was trying to support a family at sixteen years old. After a while she found her religion and became a christian or as she liked to call it a child of God. There is so much more to her story. She had several different jobs, a crazy childhood, and much more.. Born April 4, 1928 in St. Louis Missouri, Maya was a huge part of our history. She was the first…

To My Dearest Nika-san, It’s March 27, 1965, and as I walk through the muddy fields of Hayneville, Alabama, I stop to look at the sky and wonder what we blacks have been through. The day before we left for the march with Dr. King (Martin Luther King Jr.), I have done a lot of preparations and packed a very small amount of items needed before I left for the march. (I have packed a blanket and purse filled with my special needs) Ma and Pa were worried about my health but I told I’d be just fine.…

The early 1900’s were a confusing time for society. Slavery had been abolished, the depression was on the rise, and religious and political beliefs were being questioned. Martin Luther King Jr writes in his Autobiography that he was born in the later years of this segregation and from an early age questioned why and how culture could develop and exist in this fashion. His religious upbringing taught him about love and how men are created equal, yet confused him further about the existence of…

This paper analyzed the letters, “A Call for Unity: A letter from Eight White Clergymen” and “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr. Both letters on the racial tensions and problems during the 1960s. Racial problems in Alabama were at their peak of tensions and these two letters were written with different issues and claims of how to correct the problems between the black and white communities. The clergymen did not believe what the African Americans were doing with their…

Ones life is a result of the choices one makes. If oneself doesn’t enjoy ones life, its time to start making better choices. Freedom is a very powerful two syllable word. Freedom is the right to act, speak, think or believe as one wants. No restraints or judgement should come with freedom. Everyone is entitled to free belief. Believing in oneself, ones family, friends and neighbors, is very powerful. One out of every six Americans are mentally abused by words, and fifty percent of those…