Timing is everything. Introduce young historians to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" with a resource that underscores the significance of the timing of the Good Friday Birmingham march, King's subsequent arrest, and the letter he wrote in response to the criticism of local religious leaders. Seven video clips feature the views of scholars who discuss the key points in the King's letter and his willingness to accept the consequences of his act of civil disobedience.

Concepts

martin luther king jr., civil rights, civil rights leaders, protests, racism, discrimination, segregation, social justice, rhetorical devices, media analysis

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Include in a unit study of the Civil Rights Movement, during Black History Month, or in a study of King's life

Classroom Considerations

• Requires individual copies of the worksheet

Pros

• The packet includes links to the seven clips and a downloadable worksheet
• Speakers discuss the role of media coverage in the protest

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.3 SL.11-12.3