Civil Disobedience

"Letter from a Birmingham Jail"

Work Time

Turn now to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.”

After learning about the context of the letter, listen as your teacher reads the first paragraph aloud. Review the paragraph to look for answers to the following questions.

  • Who is Dr. King writing to?
  • What reason does Dr. King give for writing such a long letter?

If you have clarity about the audience and the purpose of the letter, continue reading on your own to the end of paragraph 4, listing the charges made against Dr. King by the clergymen and Dr. King’s defense of his actions. Share your notes.