"In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: 1) collection of the facts to determine whether injustices are alive; 2) negotiation; 3) self-purification; and 4) direct action. We have gone through all of these steps in Birmingham... Birmingham is probably the most thoroughly segregated city in the United States. Its ugly record of police brutality is known in every section of the country. Its unjust treatment of Negros in the courts is a notorious reality. There have been more unsolved bombings of Negro homes and churches in Birmingham than in any city in this nation. These are the hard, brutal, and unbelievable facts. On the basis of these conditions Negro leaders sought to negotiate with the city fathers. But the political leaders consistently refused to engage in good faith negotiation."(first page, 3rd paragraph)
I noticed that throughout the paragraph, Martin explains a lot about how Birmingham is the most segregated and most notorious of all cities around the United States. He does this to emphasize that we, Negros, are not the only menacing people here. the stuff the police and the people of Birmingham do are considered crimes. Also, he talks about the four basic steps for a nonviolent campaign. He is saying that what he is doing isn't made up and foolish.
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