1 pages

English language

Published Dec. 6, 1988 by Signet.

ISBN:
978-0-451-62675-2
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OCLC Number:
958495

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In 1963, Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. launched the Civil Rights movement and demonstrated to the world the power of nonviolent direct action with this letter from Birmingham Jail. Why We Can't Wait recounts not only the Birmingham campaign, but also examines the history of the civil rights struggle and the tasks that future generations must accomplish to bring about full equality for African Americans. Dr. King's eloquent analysis of these events propelled the Civil Rights movement from lunch counter sit-ins and prayer marches to the forefront of the American consciousness.

13 editions

Review of "Why we can't wait" on 'Goodreads'

Beautiful and masterful. Essential reading to understand Dr. King's nonviolence, that it awakens the humanity in others and leads to kindness, understanding, and unity. The social media age, I fear, has led us in the other direction, with more anger and name-calling and unkindness as we distance ourselves from humanity.

One phrase from this book keeps ringing in my head: "Half a loaf is no bread" (p. 18). Every time you hear someone telling LeBron James to "shut up and dribble," think, "half a loaf is no bread." We can't be content until all have equal treatment under the law, have equal access and opportunities, equal pay for equal work. All must be offered the the full loaf.

King's work is not done. We all must take it upon ourselves to understand King's ideas, appreciate his sacrifice, internalize his compassion, and make the world kinder.

Subjects

  • African Americans -- Civil rights