Why We Can't Wait (Signet Classics)
Martin Luther King’s classic exploration of the events and forces behind the Civil Rights Movement—including his Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963.
“There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair.”
In 1963, Birmingham, Alabama, was perhaps the most racially segregated city in the United States. The campaign launched by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights movement on the segregated streets of Birmingham demonstrated to the world the power of nonviolent direct action.
In this remarkable book—winner of the Nobel Peace Prize—Dr. King recounts the story of Birmingham in vivid detail, tracing the history of the struggle for civil rights back to its beginnings three centuries ago and looking to the future, assessing the work to be done beyond Birmingham to bring about full equality for African Americans. Above all, Dr. King offers an eloquent and penetrating analysis of the events and pressures that propelled the Civil Rights movement from lunch counter sit-ins and prayer marches to the forefront of American consciousness.
Since its publication in the 1960s, Why We Can’t Wait has become an indisputable classic. Now, more than ever, it is an enduring testament to the wise and courageous vision of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Includes photographs and an Afterword by Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
“There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair.”
In 1963, Birmingham, Alabama, was perhaps the most racially segregated city in the United States. The campaign launched by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights movement on the segregated streets of Birmingham demonstrated to the world the power of nonviolent direct action.
In this remarkable book—winner of the Nobel Peace Prize—Dr. King recounts the story of Birmingham in vivid detail, tracing the history of the struggle for civil rights back to its beginnings three centuries ago and looking to the future, assessing the work to be done beyond Birmingham to bring about full equality for African Americans. Above all, Dr. King offers an eloquent and penetrating analysis of the events and pressures that propelled the Civil Rights movement from lunch counter sit-ins and prayer marches to the forefront of American consciousness.
Since its publication in the 1960s, Why We Can’t Wait has become an indisputable classic. Now, more than ever, it is an enduring testament to the wise and courageous vision of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Includes photographs and an Afterword by Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
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Community Reviews
I thought this would be a timely read, with all the protests and everything going on in the world. And today happens to be the anniversary of LBJ signing the Voting Rights Act in 1965. And we still have people trying to deny others their rights under this Act.
This was such an excellent reminder of how intelligent and eloquent MLK really was. He lays out very clearly what he was fighting for, how he wanted to do it, with nonviolent, direct action. He gave praise where it was due but expressed his disappointment at those who refused to see his vision and refused to step forward with him, while also maintaining hope that they would see the light.
He knew that it would always be a struggle, but I think he would be heartbroken to see what's going on today, almost 60 years later.
This was such an excellent reminder of how intelligent and eloquent MLK really was. He lays out very clearly what he was fighting for, how he wanted to do it, with nonviolent, direct action. He gave praise where it was due but expressed his disappointment at those who refused to see his vision and refused to step forward with him, while also maintaining hope that they would see the light.
He knew that it would always be a struggle, but I think he would be heartbroken to see what's going on today, almost 60 years later.
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