April 16 in American History

April 16, 1963 — "Letter from Birmingham Jail"

Jailed for a civil rights protest, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote a response to critics urging patience, arguing that "justice too long delayed is justice denied" and that people have a moral duty to disobey unjust laws. Written on newspaper margins and scraps, it became one of the most important documents of the American conscience.

Common Questions

What happened on April 16 in American history?

In 1963: "Letter from Birmingham Jail". Jailed for a civil rights protest, Martin Luther King Jr.

Why is April 16 significant?

Jailed for a civil rights protest, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote a response to critics urging patience, arguing that "justice too long delayed is justice denied" and that people have a moral duty to disobey unjust laws. Written on newspaper margins and scraps, it became one of the most important documents of the American conscience.

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