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Why We Can't Wait

by Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson (Afterword)

4.43 of 5 stars 4.43 · rating details · 1,463 ratings · 103 reviews

Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963

“Perhaps it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say, ‘Wait.’ But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim…when you see the vast majority of twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty in the...more

Paperback, 240 pages

Published January 1st 2000 by Signet Classics (first published July 1st 1964)

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Jun 26, 2012 Walter rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the - if not the - best of King's books, as it details the crucial Birmingham campaign and features at its heart the incredible Letter from Birmingham Jail. Although always positive in tone, it deals with the realities of a campaign that is now viewed as pivotal to the success of the American Civil Rights Movement but that was anything but assured in its own time. That King acknowledges this reality while placing it in a constructive context all the while advancing his positive, f...more This is one of the - if not the - best of King's books, as it details the crucial Birmingham campaign and features at its heart the incredible Letter from Birmingham Jail. Although always positive in tone, it deals with the realities of a campaign that is now viewed as pivotal to the success of the American Civil Rights Movement but that was anything but assured in its own time. That King acknowledges this reality while placing it in a constructive context all the while advancing his positive, forward-looking message is a testament to his vision and incredibly forgiving perseverance.

Whitewashed now by its success and the sands of time, most people remember Birmingham as an unqualified success, if at all, yet it was by no means that. It was a difficult campaign - with the city's incredibly intransigent Jim Crow establishment, its fiery Public Safety Director Bull Connor, its disunity within the then-Negro community, etc. - that came very close to failing. Had it failed, the Civil Rights Movement could have been dealt a virtually fatal blow. Instead, a key points in the struggle, King and his partners in the leadership of the campaign were able to come together and make progress in daunting cirmcumstances.

One example is the controversial decision to use children as demonstrators. A highly controversial tactic, it was they key to turning the tide in what was until that point a failing campaign. It ended up producing several important outcomes, including revitalizing and actually pushing the campaign over the top and also evidencing that the children of Birmingham actually led their parents by their quiet, courageous example. Initially, King was vilified for approving the Rev. James Bevel's strategy, but he proved stalwart in the face of widespread internal and external criticism and eventually victorious.

Another misperception about the campaign is that it was an unqualified success, which is was not by any means. Its victories were mainly symbolic and the practical effects were minor for some time due to the obfuscation and deliberately slow implementation of the agreement by the city leaders. King deals with this diplomatically but clearly and with evident disappointment and pain. It turns out that Birminigham's true contributions were strategic in nature, establishing the pivotal assault of the thereafter crumbling institution of Jim Crow.

It's these gritty yet honestly conveyed insights - in addition to the outstanding Letter from Birmingham Jail that is the heart and soul of the book - that make this such a worthwhile and satisfying read. It's hard to read about the discrimination and racism, but the story of the eventual triumph ultimately overshadows this, with the result that the overall story is an uplifting and inspiring one. One sees here in all of his moral and pragmatic glory a leader who is committed to effecting positive change and yet honest enough to share his own challenges and doubts.

Yes, there are a few challenges with the book, including that King sometimes is too generous and constructive about certain events (whereas Branch or Garrow and others have been more revealing), but it is a minor annoyance compared with the incredible story within the story and the towering moral leadership - especially as demonstrated in the Letter from Birmingham Jail - that is evidenced herein.

As I read this book for the third time and discovered new insights as well as appreciated old ones anew, I couldn't help but compare MLK to our current leadership and, frankly, be saddened. There are few people of his level of courage and conviction today, but there is a shining example for them to emulate should they emerge, especially as captured in this book.

I recommend Why We Can't Wait highly to all who have a sincere interest in figuring out how to effect moral, positive change and to anyone who appreciates the importance of learning from history in order to fashion a better future.(less)

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Jan 21, 2013 Laine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, classics, lanies-fav, librarian-picks, nonfiction, true-story

“No person has the right to rain on your dreams.”

“Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control. Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals.”

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

And the famous......

“I Had a Dream....”

And can never forget.....

"Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty we are free at las...more “No person has the right to rain on your dreams.”

“Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control. Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals.”

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

And the famous......

“I Had a Dream....”

And can never forget.....

"Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty we are free at last."

If you don't know the voice to these quotes then you need to either go back to school or locate your library as quick as you can. The visionist who, with courage, spoke these words to the ears of every person on the planet. Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr. as you know is well known for his speaking for civil rights movement in the time when folks didn't "get along well with other" because of the skin color. Back in the day it was unheard of for White folk and Black folks could be seen together in a public place; for them to sit casually in a resturant and just eat breakfast. Today...we hardly ever have this problem. Kids in school can understand what their teachers mean by "segregated" "racial differences". To fully understand what really happened back in the day, what took place and how the "people" felt it's always best to go to a non-fiction book. And I, as your librarian, have the perfect book for the young minds that are trying to understand who, what, where when and the why. Why We Can't Wait by the man himself, Martin Luther King Jr.

Why We Can't Wait talks about the Birmingham, Alabama (which was well known as the most racially segregated city in the United States at that time) druing the 1963 which was a very crucial year for the civil rights movement. King demonstrated with many other outspoken people to the world the power of nonviolent direct action by examining the history of the civil rights struggle and the tasks that furture generations (like us) must accomplish to bring about full equality.

The other reason why this book is perfect for young minds trying to understand what went on during that time frame is that Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote most of this book was written along with a "Letter from Birmingham Jail" King wrote in April of 1963. Trying to get inside the mind of one of the great outspoken leaders of our time? Try your local library and ask about Martin Luther King Jr. You might find something you weren't even looking for!!!
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Dec 20, 2012 Daniel Namie rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Man was born into barbarism when killing his fellow man was a normal condition of existence. He became endowed with a conscience. And he has now reached the day when violence toward another human being must become as abhorrent as eating another's flesh."
--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The concluding words from Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.’s were written in his book entitled "Why We Can't Wait." The words illustrate the everlasting struggle of humanity to regain its humanity from the inherited corru...more "Man was born into barbarism when killing his fellow man was a normal condition of existence. He became endowed with a conscience. And he has now reached the day when violence toward another human being must become as abhorrent as eating another's flesh."
--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The concluding words from Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.’s were written in his book entitled "Why We Can't Wait." The words illustrate the everlasting struggle of humanity to regain its humanity from the inherited corruption of hate. We, as human-beings, are evitable swayed towards the belief of others. From childhood to young adulthood, we are nurtured in believing what our caretakers teach. But, has the nature of all human-being age, we grow-up to be rational and logical people. What King’s “Dream” is—is for all people to use there very nature to be rational and logical by preventing the illogical and ill-rational cycle of racism and hatred to move from one generation to another. That Dream of King couldn’t have been accomplished by himself, but with the help of forward thinking African-Americans and sympathetic white Americans that Dream has come to be truth.

John Donne was corrected when he made the point that "no man is an island," which ultimately describes the essence of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s journey through the corruption of white supremacy in the South over the suppressed "Negro." Interestingly King's perilous civil rights fights for African-American citizens to have equal rights—which were inalienable upon birth—with white American citizens. However, as King so graciously conveys with the help of the universal theme that John Donne has laid out, Martin Luther King, Jr. was only the figure head and possibly the so called "general" in the battle behind the oppressed and the liberators. Truly then, what King inspired a nation to believe was not to fight suppression with violence but strive for equality with nonviolence.

The nonviolent campaign towards Birmingham, Alabama was tested time and time again with the opportunity to commit violence upon a much physically stronger adversary, but King preached his "Dream" that whites aren't black's enemy but our equals.

The civil rights campaign—which was started years before the emancipation proclamation and still goes on today—is not a civil war to over white suppression or bluntly stated to conqueror 'whitey' but for blacks and whites to have equal footing to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." In modern American society, King's dream has come to fruition and grows stronger with each new generation that doesn't inherit that hatred of racism.
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Feb 15, 2011 Amber rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I think that every American should read this book. MLK, Jr. was an amazing man who was in love with God and who had a heart for people. He had an amazing understanding of what Jesus Christ would do and, I believe, was a great example of what a Christian should be. As I re-read "Letters From a Birmingham Jail", I was reminded how loving and forgiving of a man he was, even to the people who despised him the most. He had a vision of a world where everyone was treated equally, no matter what the col...more

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Sep 28, 2011 Vincent rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: memoirs, america-since-1865, african-american-studies

In Why We Can’t Wait Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gives his account of the Birmingham campaign, which sought to dissolve the Jim Crow status quo. From the outset of his campaign, however, tensions were present not only within the black communities, but also with whites who supported their cause. When he began to plan his strategy for nonviolent demonstrations he found that “there was tremendous resistance to [their] program from some of the Negro ministers, businessmen, and professionals in the c...more In Why We Can’t Wait Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gives his account of the Birmingham campaign, which sought to dissolve the Jim Crow status quo. From the outset of his campaign, however, tensions were present not only within the black communities, but also with whites who supported their cause. When he began to plan his strategy for nonviolent demonstrations he found that “there was tremendous resistance to [their] program from some of the Negro ministers, businessmen, and professionals in the city” (King 52). King concluded that there were several explanations for these “tensions,” including that blacks “had been skillfully brainwashed to the point where he had accepted the white man’s theory that he… was inferior” (52). Many also accused King’s actions as being ill timed. The infamously racist “Bull” Conner had just lost the mayoral election and many felt that King should give the new administration a chance before demonstrating. King would pass this off as “false-optimism,” and perhaps rightly so (53). Many also saw King as an outsider, but he combated that notion by arguing that because he was an American and there was injustice in Birmingham, there was no such thing as an outsider, and that he had descended on Birmingham with the request of an affiliated organization to help release the local black population from oppression.

King knew that if he was to succeed he would need a united community and at one point he shows true optimism at accomplishing this unity. “Somehow God gave me the power,” he writes, “to transform the resentments, the suspicions, the fears and the misunderstandings I found… into faith and enthusiasm” (55). Nevertheless, in the midst of the movement King finds himself addressing more tensions in his response through a letter to an article printed by fellow clergymen critical of his tactics. While defending his actions, he also addresses his disappointment with many white religious organizations for not promoting desegregation on the basis of moral beliefs. More importantly, he describes “white moderates” as being more destructive than even the Ku Klux Klan. He believes that they are “more devoted to order than to justice” and though they vocally support his cause they condemn his method of direct action, and because they prefer a “negative peace” they have become a contributor to the problem (73).

Despite these tensions that hindered the cause, at the end of his book King seems to have a somewhat optimistic outlook on the future of the civil rights movement. The path thus far blazed had been substantial and he felt that “the upsurge of power in the civil-rights movement has given it greater maneuverability… and security” (138). He saw that “the Negro potential for political power is now substantial” (139) and “already in some states and cities in the South, a de facto alliance of Negro and sympathetic white voters has elected a new type of local official - …[the] nonsegregationist” (140). Overall, King felt that “American politics needs nothing much so as an injection of the idealism, self-sacrifice and sense of public service which is the hallmark of our movement” (141).

King’s optimism was not misplaced. He recognized both the dividing factors and the unifying factors between whites and blacks and between blacks themselves. In 1964, while he was writing his book, President Johnson was busy working on his “Great Society” legislation, which included the Civil Rights Act. This act banned Jim Crow laws, which was King’s main objective in Birmingham all along. In fact, he had gained the attention of Johnson throughout his demonstrations, and even received support from the President. Johnson would also pass into effect laws for fair voting in 1965 (furthering King’s idea of the black political power), and in 1969 another law involving fair housing would pass through Congress. As the government furthered its involvement into the cause of civil rights King’s optimism had begun to pay off. Although the movement would be a torrid river, plagued with stones and dams, King saw the channels with which to ultimately reach the shore of equality.

As a piece of history Why We Can’t Wait is certainly important, and at times, as in the letter portion of the book, the arguments are both eloquent and compelling. However, much like Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, it helps to understand the context in which it was written and the events, long in the making, that led to its formation. It remains, nevertheless, a vital historical document and a testament to the philosophy of peace and equality that changed America.
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Dec 27, 2010 Dchavez06 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

Post-"I have a dream" and pre-Civil Rights act of 1964, this book is a powerful call to action for equality. It has obvious and incredibly strong parallels to gay rights today. I was inspired by MLK's statement about how one should not be "grateful" for advances in obtaining "the same basic rights owed to one's birthright as an American and a member of the human community." I now have a hard time accepting the mainstream, centrist view that advances in civil unions or the repeal of DADT are anyt...more

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Feb 13, 2013 Jim rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mmm-challenges, mmm-2013, nonfiction

Wow. How sad is it that I live in Alabama, and I never knew that in 1963, Birmingham was considered to be the most segregated city in America?

Martin Luther King, Jr's Why We Can't Wait is an excellent treatise on the race issues still facing our country 50 years ago - 100 years after Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

This book is about non-violent revolution. About some of the turning points in American history 50 years ago, especially in Birmingham.

Please read this. We, especially those of...more

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Jan 30, 2013 Marco rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: english, non-fiction

I decided to celebrate Martin Luther King Day reading one of his most famous books. The book has an incredible historical significance, it details the progress made by the civil rights movement during the 60s. It's incredible to see how things finally suddenly started changing, never fast enough, for the better. It is so insightful to read about the struggles, the dreams and the vision of one of the fathers of the movement. Some of the topics touched in the book are still incredibly relevant tod...more

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Dec 06, 2011 Christopher rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

When I first began to read this book, I didn't know what to expect. I am unfamiliar with most of the Civil Rights movement's history and I was somewhat unfamiliar with Dr. King's work and ideals. What I found in this book was not just a history of the Civil RIghts movement in 1963, I found a manifesto of freedom. I am so impressed with this book that I can't even think of a criticism as Dr. King shot down any that I had as soon as it came into my mind. Everyone must read chapter 5, which has Dr....more

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Apr 18, 2013 Happyreader rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: history-politics, progressive-thinking

Insane that Dr. King had to justify timely organizing for equal rights a hundred years after the Emancipation Proclamation but racism is insane like that. Part political thriller, part moral treatise, part organizing manual for speaking truth to power and enriching your soul, his eloquent recounting of the 1963 Birmingham protests pulls you in and pulls no punches. Includes Dr. King’s brilliant Letter from Birmingham Jail, written 50 years ago this week, proclaiming “Injustice anywhere is a thre...more

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Feb 20, 2013 Paul Demetre rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself...", Martin Luther King Jr.

This is just one of the great lines of this powerful work.

Why We Can't Wait is a concise and eloquent account of the events in Birmingham in 1963, as well as an explanation of the civil rights movement, its causes, methods and aims. This is a good reminder of how far we have come in the last fifty years, and how we still have a ways to go.

Martin Luther Kings belongs...more

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Jan 10, 2010 Leroy Seat rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a great book, and I was especially moved by reading (again?) the fifth chapter, "Letter from Birmingham Jail," written in April 1963.

The book is mostly about "the Negro Revolution" that centered in Birmingham in 1963. What we know now that King didn't know when he wrote the book, is that his and others' actions in 1963 led to the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, which did much to overcome racial segregation in this country.

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Day this year, we should ta...more

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Jul 03, 2007 Kylos rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone too shallow to get it on their own

afterwards, some things are just better understood.
and other things are infinitely more depressing.

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Jul 22, 2012 Bala rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Regretfully, I once failed to comprehend why MLK Jr. was so revered. I think I attributed his lasting prominence to equal parts merit as well as token symbolism enhanced by martyrdom. Then I read his writing...

His eloquence is unbelievable...so poignant and moving that some passages even bring tears to my reticent and cynical eyes. Its worth reading simply to read the power of King's rhetoric and his masterful ability to relate profound emotional expression. After reading "Why We Can't Wait," I...more

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May 08, 2013 Jim Kile rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

This book was written during and shortly after 1963, where non-violent direct action campaigns began to seriously challenge the well-established discrimination of the time. Dr King thoughtfully and meticulously shares the justifications behind the movement and the reasons for its success as he chronicles its events for history. As might be expected, some of the writing is reminiscent of a preacher's sermon. Nevertheless, the ideals and thoughts being expressed fit nicely with the writing style....more

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Jan 22, 2013 Paul Haspel rated it 5 of 5 stars

When reading Why We Can't Wait, one gets a sense of what Martin Luther King Jr. faced at a crucial point in his civil-rights activism; and Dr. King emerges from the pages of this book not as a distant icon, but as a great, and humanly great, individual. He is also a brilliant writer, and one of the greatest rhetoricians in all of American history, as Why We Can't Wait amply demonstrates.

The central subject of Why We Can't Wait is the civil-rights activism that Dr. King led in Birmingham, Alabama...more

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Jun 13, 2011 May added it

Shelves: history-american

A fantastic book about a sad and yet inspiring period of American history. Martin Luther King describes, in his own words, what happened in Birmingham, AL in 1962-3, what they were trying to achieve, and why it was so imperative that the momentum continue. Relative to reading history books on the topic in class, this account gives you a true sense for how amazing and brave those who took part in this movement are. Despite the massive injustice of the period, these inspiring people, held fast to...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Robin rated it 5 of 5 stars

I don't think the power of King's words can be underestimated. The relevance of many passages today is very interesting--I think this book should be required reading for all high schools across the country. First of all, teaching school kids the history of the civil rights movement is woefully inadequate. Many of the incidents described in this book I had only a passing familiarity with or no knowledge of, which I find really frustrating. Why wasn't I taught this earlier? I want to know about th...more

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Sep 01, 2008 Anoud rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction, فكر

Wow ..I am totally fascinated by dr. king, words …

In this book dr. king, the leader of the civil-rights movement, talked about the conditions and the social, political, religious and economic circumstances that crystallized the birth of the new Negros' revolution, and how things started in Birmingham 1963.

He described the extreme oppression and injustice that they used to face. While I was reading this book, my mind just couldn't stop picturing an endless series of scenes. I've never been influe...more

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Jan 29, 2008 Todd rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: human beings

Obviously an important book, although I think it's not the best introduction into the Civil Rights movement because MLK references so many people, places, and events that it can be hard to keep everyone and everything straight.

The beginning of the book deals with "tokenism" and general attitudes of the time, especially segregation. Secondly, MLK deals with the non-violent approach to his struggle. Third, "Letter From Birmingham Jail" takes up an entire chapter, as well it should, because it is d...more

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Oct 14, 2009 Alyssa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-top-100-non-fiction-reads

Basically a description of the civil rights movement in 1963. Chapters 3-6 are the heart of the "action" and the other chapters are the introduction and the "what will happen next" sections. Written only a year after the events described, the vision of the future is fairly limited. Not a comprehensive civil rights book, but an amazing look into breaking down the barriers in one of the most segregated cities in America. I also liked hearing about Martin Luther King Jr's day to day actions and tho...more

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Jan 18, 2009 Kei rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-adore, non-fiction

I read this book in high school at a time when I was just beginning to truly understand the Civil Rights movement. This book changed my life. I don't care if that sounds cliche or whatever, but there is no way a person can read a book like Why We Can't Wait, and experience Dr. Martin Luther King's more than deeply profound rhetoric of freedom and equality and then turn around and aim for mediocrity. I have a lot more to say but I shall save my thoughts and pour them into action.

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Apr 08, 2013 Connie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book on the 45th anniversary of the death of Dr Martin Luther King. This work certainly displays the brilliance of Dr. King.

It was inspiring, but also depressing because there is still so much injustice in the world.

In conjunction with this issue, I will be reading a new book called: "The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness" by Michelle Alexander.

I will also be attending a workshop that is being presented by Michelle Alexander.

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Feb 18, 2013 Benjamin Zapata rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed." - Martin Luther King Jr. A beautiful book with an everlasting message of love and non-violence; a classic exploration of the events and forces behind the Civil Right movement by someone that was there,one of the greatest human soul to walk on our planet,an enduring testament to the wise and courageous vision of Martin Luther King Jr. A must read for everyone!!!

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Nov 30, 2010 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 52-books-in-52-weeks

I was just dazzled by MLK's gift for inspiring and condemning...It's so clear reading this that he was trained as a pastor/preacher. I wish I'd have read this when I was still teaching MLK. I think my entire civil rights unit would have been structured differently. Beautiful writing, and just very compelling. I think everyone should read this. Of course, the Letter from Birmingham Jail was a masterpiece, which is one of the parts we often study in school, but intertwined in the book, it was even...more

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Feb 19, 2010 Sara Larson rated it 5 of 5 stars

It’s easy (at least for me) to pigeon-hole Dr. King’s ideas into the one phrase ideology of “I have a dream”. Before reading this book I thought of Martin as a somewhat passive activist, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear his tone of intensity.

Sure, King will never be the revolutionary Malcolm X was, but he’s also not the peaceful fellow preached in our public schools. Great short read. Definitely recommend.

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Aug 24, 2012 Jeridel Banks rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think this book should be used as part of students' reading lists all over the world. It explains so much about racism, classicism, and all the other -ism that affect the former. King doesn't just use eloquent speech to explain the troubles of minorities; he uses facts and logic, along with religious teachings, to paint a realistic and resolute plan to save a place in the Jim Crow south.

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Jul 24, 2010 Theophilus (Theo) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Someone had to take the the first step. The process of removing segregation and racism from American society. Why were school children involved? Why subject young people to the violent backlash of violent racist backlash? Dr. King explains the strategies of the civil rights movement. its goals. and the ultimate beneficiaries of the struggle in this short, concise book.

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Jul 30, 2011 Carlos rated it 5 of 5 stars

Plain and simple; read this book. Arguably MLK's greatest work. We all know what a great man MLK was and the great accomplishments he made in his life. These letters just solidified what we all knew and gives the reader a look within MLK's thoughts, ideas, and wants.

I say pick this up and read it. You won't regret it.

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Oct 14, 2011 Del Zimmerman rated it 5 of 5 stars

How can you review brilliance and passion such as this? I have nothing to add that would make this book stand out even more than it does on its own.

As America still struggles with its cultural identity and inherited prejudices, this book is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Every American should read this book.

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About Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the pivotal leaders of the American civil rights movement. King was a Baptist minister, one of the few leadership roles available to black men at the time. He became a civil rights activist early in his career. He led the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956) and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (1957), serving as its first president. His ef...more

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