Martin Luther King, Jr., “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” (1963) http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html In April 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested and jailed in Birmingham, Alabama for his role in organizing boycotts, sit-ins, and protests. While in jail, King was given a copy of an editorial written by southern clergymen who questioned his tactics and strategy. While they agreed with his larger goals, they questioned whether such confrontational tactics were wise. In response, King penned his famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” in which he criticized the apathy and indifference of those who paid lip service to civil rights reform and yet put nothing on the line in its defense. He also outlined his logic behind civil disobedience in combatting unjust laws. This powerful letter later proved influential in influencing Nelson Mandela in South Africa. King was released from jail four days after penning this letter. In response to a minimum of 500 words consider the following points: What was the immediate context in which King penned his letter? What did King say about civil disobedience and unjust laws? What did King say about the apathy and indifference of others? What did King say about the wisdom in using nonviolent tactics?