Letter from Birmingham Jail
Definition
A landmark open letter written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 16, 1963, while imprisoned in Birmingham, Alabama, defending the strategy of nonviolent resistance against racial segregation and injustice, famously arguing that 'injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.'
An influential essay in the American civil rights movement, responding to white clergymen who criticized King's protests as untimely.
Examples
In debate club, citing the 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' is like pulling out the civil rights Excalibur—undefeatable.
My history prof says reading the 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' once is good, but quoting it in every argument makes you MLK 2.0.
When my roommate delays chores, I hit him with a 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' vibe: 'Justice delayed is justice denied, bro.'
The 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' proves even jail time can't lock up a good idea from spreading.