Why We Can't Wait Audiobook By Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Cotton - introduction cover art

Why We Can't Wait

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Why We Can't Wait

By: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Cotton - introduction
Narrated by: J. D. Jackson
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About this listen

Dr. King's best-selling account of the civil rights movement in Birmingham during the spring and summer of 1963

On April 16, 1963, as the violent events of the Birmingham campaign unfolded in the city's streets, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., composed a letter from his prison cell in response to local religious leaders' criticism of the campaign. The resulting piece of extraordinary protest writing, "Letter from Birmingham Jail", was widely circulated and published in numerous periodicals. After the conclusion of the campaign and the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, King further developed the ideas introduced in the letter in Why We Can't Wait, which tells the story of African-American activism in the spring and summer of 1963. During this time, Birmingham, Alabama, was perhaps the most racially segregated city in the United States, but the campaign launched by King, Fred Shuttlesworth, and others demonstrated to the world the power of nonviolent direct action.

Often applauded as King's most incisive and eloquent book, Why We Can't Wait recounts the Birmingham campaign in vivid detail, while underscoring why 1963 was such a crucial year for the civil rights movement. Disappointed by the slow pace of school desegregation and civil rights legislation, King observed that by 1963 - during which the country celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation - Asia and Africa were "moving with jetlike speed toward gaining political independence but we still creep at a horse-and-buggy pace."

King examines the history of the civil rights struggle, noting tasks that future generations must accomplish to bring about full equality, and asserts that African Americans have already waited over three centuries for civil rights and that it is time to be proactive: "For years now, I have heard the word 'Wait!' It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This 'Wait' has almost always meant 'Never.' We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that 'justice too long delayed is justice denied.'"

©1964 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (P)2018 Beacon Press
African American Studies Americas Black & African American Civil Rights & Liberties Freedom & Security Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Racism & Discrimination Social Sciences Specific Demographics United States Civil rights Martin Luther King Social movement Equality Black power movement City Alabama
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Eloquent Narration • Impactful Civil Rights • Exceptional Delivery • Insightful Racial Injustices • Essential Reading
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Most relevant
The words of Dr. MLK are so powerful and thought provoking. This should be required reading for all!

Must Read

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This was ana amazing book and MLK Jr. was an amazing writer and really encapsulated the movement at that time.

Wow

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I wanted to go back to the beginning of the modern civil rights movement. We as a country have created new sanctioned forms of discrimination and cancellation, too, so it's worth a refresher to understand and persevere with patience and nonviolent insistence.

a great historical read worthy of new attention

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Everyone must read these words from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A true prophetic voice. We need to take up the belief once again of non violent, direct action.

A prophet of our times!

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MLK is the most celebrated American civil rights activist for many reasons, and this book largely explains why. He preaches non-violence as the most effective tool to drive social justice movements in America and in the world. The history of the Civil Rights movement in America is eloquently presented by MLK, who is lyrically masterful at conveying many sides of the complexity of racism in America. Further, the narrator tells the story beautifully. Especially given the tumultuous racial issues currently happening (especially since the George Floyd incident and more), this is a must read book for everyone, especially those looking to affect change.

Relevant for all

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A detailed look behind the curtain and an elaboration of the context of a time we all have heard about but scarcely understand.

Insightful

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I appreciated receiving the details behind the history. I am forever grateful for the courage and commitment to the people and the principles.

An Important Past Remembered

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I wish this was required reading in school. This book is still so relevant and it brought me to tears throughout. The narrator was perfect and his delivery was exceptional. <3
Highly recommend!

A Must Read

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I’m 35 years old and learnt that I’ve never listened to any of MLK’s speeches in full context nor read much about him. I also grieve that his legacy isn’t taught in schools. As a teenager I don’t think I was in the space to pay much attention. But now as I am paying more attention to the world, notably this nations horrific history, it would have been nice to point to MLK and everyone who’s attending public education know the incredible work and sacrifices he made. The words he has for this time is priceless and precious.

Incredible

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A reference for human rights activists, economists, and politicians of all ways of life, allegiance or creed.

A book by a pragmatic visionary way ahead of most

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