MLK's Letter from a Birmingham Jail - Vocabulary Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts and figures discussed in a lecture about MLK's Letter from Birmingham Jail

Letter from a Birmingham Jail

Illustrates how the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment supported and motivated social movements, specifically the Civil Rights Movement.

Martin Luther King Jr.

A key leader of the Civil Rights Movement who advocated for non-violent direct action to combat racial segregation and injustice.

Non-violent direct action

Enduring suffering and imprisonment as they protested and sat at counters for white people only.

Motivation for King's Actions

The failure of many state governments to uphold the rights of black Americans under the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Letter from a Birmingham Jail Context

King's response to white clergy who urged patience and waiting for legal and legislative solutions to racial issues.

Key Quote from the Letter

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere; emphasizes the interconnectedness of communities in the fight for justice.

Purpose of Nonviolent Direct Action

Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and establish such creative tension that a community that has consistently refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue.

King's Argument for Urgent Action

Meaningful negotiation will never occur unless a crisis raises the stakes; freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor but must be demanded by the oppressed.

Tranquilizing thalidomide

A state of emotional stress relief with the consequence of a frustrating outcome. (Like waiting)

King's Disappointment with White Moderates

Expresses disappointment not with outright racists, but with white moderates who prioritize order over justice and urge caution, thus hindering progress.

Human Progress

Argues that true progress requires tireless efforts and persistent work and not merely the absence of bad actions, but the active pursuit of justice.

King's Embrace of Extremism

Embraces the label, comparing himself to historical figures like Jesus, Paul, and Socrates who were also considered extremists for love, gospel, and truth.

King's Concluding Argument

Brings the cause of civil rights into a larger context, emphasizing the deep historical connection and contributions of black Americans to the nation's heritage and destiny.