Plaque Text for this Alabama landmark:
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a 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 Rv. 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 wote, “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.
More about “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”:
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Birmingham Historical Society!
- Donate to the King Center!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
425 6th Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35205
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!