A Letter from Birmingham Jail and a Call for Unity

Who wrote "A Call to Unity" which was a letter to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ?

• A group of government officials working at city hall in Birmingham, Alabama.

• A group of white Christian and Jewish clergymen representing houses of worship in Birmingham, Alabama.

• Civil Rights leaders working with Dr. King in Birmingham, Alabama.

• Birmingham's local business community.

Why do you believe the writers of "A Call for Unity" had their letter published in a newspaper instead of just mailing it to Dr. King?

• They wanted to take a public stand and secure public support for their concerns.

• They did not have Dr. King's address.

• They wanted the public to see their support for Dr. King's efforts.

• They had a new proposal for how to collaborate with Dr. King.

Reread the first paragraph of "A Call to Unity" below. Which is the first solution to Birmingham's problems that is recommended by the members of the clergy?

"We the undersigned clergymen are among those who, in January, issued “an appeal for law and order and common sense,” in dealing with racial problems in Alabama. We expressed understanding that honest convictions in racial matters could properly be pursued in the courts, but urged that decisions of those courts should in the meantime be peacefully obeyed."

• Dr. King should leave Birmingham, allowing the religious community to solve problems by themselves.

• Dr. King should stop his efforts and make everyone else to stop protesting as well.

• Dr. King should work directly with local business leaders to come to an effective solution that meets the needs of business owners.

• Problems with race relations should be handled in the courts; until the courts decide what to do, people should peacefully obey the laws.

What is the second concern shared by the clergymen who wrote to Dr. King?

• The protests were causing riots in the streets which hurt local businesses.

• The clergymen did not like the influence of "outsiders" like Dr. King coming to Birmingham and getting involved in their city's problems with race relations. They prefer a local solution.

• The clergymen wanted the city residents to vote whether or not to end segregation in a public referendum so that everyone has a say in whether or not the Jim Crow laws should end.

• The clergymen want more national attention on the problems in Birmingham so they can attract more people to come to Birmingham.

In the passage below, which of the clergy's concerns about the current situation is focused more on Dr. King's presence in Birmingham?

"Since that time there had been some evidence of increased forbearance and a willingness to face facts. Responsible citizens have undertaken to work on various problems which cause racial friction and unrest. In Birmingham, recent public events have given indication that we all have opportunity for a new constructive and realistic approach to racial problems.

However, we are now confronted by a series of demonstrations by some of our Negro citizens, directed and led in part by outsiders. We recognize the natural impatience of people who feel that their hopes are slow in being realized. But we are convinced that these demonstrations are unwise and untimely."

• Responsible citizens have already shown a willingness to tackle the city's problems, so they have it under control.

• The clergymen did not like the influence of "outsiders" like Dr. King coming to Birmingham and getting involved in their city's problems with race relations. They prefer a local solution.

• The members of the clergy think Dr. King's presence and the protests are the only way to achieve a constructive and realistic solution.

• The clergymen want to increase job opportunities in Birmingham so they can attract more people will have work.

Which of the following passages best summarizes the clergy people's concerns and how they think Birmingham's problems should be handled?

• "We agree rather...honest and open negotiation of racial issues in our area... this kind of facing of issues can best be accomplished by citizens of our own metropolitan area..."

• "We recognize the natural impatience of people who feel that their hopes are slow in being realized. But we are convinced that these demonstrations are unwise and untimely."

• "We commend the community as a whole, and the local news media and law enforcement offi cials in particular, on the calm manner in which these demonstrations have been handled."

• "We...urge our own Negro community to withdraw support from these demonstrations...peacefully...a cause should be pressed in the courts and in negotiations among local leaders, and not in the streets."