MLK’s Correspondence That Helped Change The Nation

Martin Luther King Jr’s “Letter From Birmingham Jail” in 1963 came after the civil rights leader intentionally allowed himself to be arrested during a demonstration against racial injustice. The Birmingham demonstrations were the most massive civil rights protest that had occurred up until that point and were aimed at grabbing the nation’s ear. Televised images of police using dogs and fire hoses against the protesters generated a national outcry against segregation leaders in Birmingham. The text and Birmham demonstrations eventually prompted President John F. Kennedy to introduce major civil rights legislation.

Read entire article here: http://www.ibtimes.com/mlk-birmingham-letter-full-text-read-martin-luther-kings-correspondence-helped-1787580

On MLK Day, Americans across the country come together for a day of service, picking up the baton handed to us by past generations and carrying forward their efforts.  Read more: http://www.nationalservice.gov/mlkday2015