MLK letter from Birmingham Jail Rhetorical Precis

Martin Luther King, in his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” claims that the protesting of segregation is justified. He supports his claim first by asserting the need for “non violent peaceful action” to fight segregation, second by explaining how protesting was not breaking the law because he saw the laws that promoted segregation as unjust and therefore did not consider them laws, and lastly by warning about how African Americans might resort to more violent and chaotic means of resistance if continually denied their “God-given” rights. His purpose was to address the church’s criticism of his protest and to justify and encourage action against segregation. Martin Luther King’s letter, though primarily addressed to the church clergy, ultimately speaks to everyone, black or white, about the urgent need for action in fighting the injustice of segregation.