Letter from Birmingham Jail
from Why we can't wait
Martin Luther King, Jr
About Letter from Birmingham Jail
Written in 1963 while he was imprisoned for participating in nonviolent protests against segregation, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” is one of the most powerful and passionate defenses of civil disobedience, justice, and the moral responsibility to act in the face of injustice. The letter was a direct response to white clergy who criticized King’s actions as “untimely” and “extreme.” But instead of backing down, King used this moment to lay out a bold vision of what it means to live a meaningful, ethical life—and to build a just society.
King argues that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and that waiting for the “right time” to challenge oppression only helps preserve inequality. For him, living a good life isn’t just about personal peace—it’s about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable. He challenges the idea that obeying unjust laws is a moral obligation and explains why civil disobedience—breaking unjust laws in a nonviolent and principled way—is sometimes not just justified, but necessary.
At its core, this letter is a love letter to justice. It’s a reminder that the good society must include everyone—not just the privileged few. And it’s a call to all of us to examine our roles: Are we bystanders, or are we actively working for a more just and inclusive world?
Before You Read
What would you do if you saw injustice happening in your community? Would you speak out? Join a protest? Stay quiet and hope things get better on their own?
In this letter, Dr. King wrestles with exactly those questions. He was sitting in a jail cell when he wrote it, accused of being an outsider and a troublemaker. But instead of backing down, he responds with passion and clarity, making the case that justice can’t wait—and that those who say “slow down” or “not now” are often standing in the way of real change.
Before reading, think about how we define the good life. Is it just about comfort and success? Or is it about courage, solidarity, and standing up for others—especially when they’re being excluded or mistreated?
Guiding Questions
- Why does King believe that waiting for justice is unjust?
- What is the difference between just and unjust laws, according to King?
- How does this letter challenge the idea that law and order are always morally right?
- What does this letter suggest about the kind of people—and the kind of society—we should strive to become?
Where to find this reading
This contemporary text is not in the public domain or shared with a creative commons license. Your college or university may have access to this reading through these different sources
- Why we can’t wait by Martin Luther King: https://search.worldcat.org/en/title/268783
