Question

after discussing why he and the sclc were working in birmingham, king explained why they decided to act immediately rather than attempt more negotiations with city leaders. he argued that african american activists have always been told to wait for a better time to engage in direct action. however, king wrote, \this wait has almost always meant never.\
match each quote from king’s letter justifying acting immediately with the argument for why he should wait.
civil rights activists are too eager for change and should instead expect gradual improvements.
civil rights activists should have more discussions with business leaders to convince them to willingly desegregate.
the city was about to swear in a new mayor, so civil rights activists should wait until a better time.
argument from birmingham leaders \t king’s justification
\t we still creep at horse and buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee at a lunch counter.... i hope, sirs, you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience.
\t i have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was well timed in the view of those who have not suffered...
\t freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

Explanation:

1. The claim that activists should wait for gradual change is countered by King pointing out the slow pace of progress toward basic equality.
2. The argument that activists should wait for the new mayor is countered by King noting that those not suffering never see direct action as "well timed".
3. The claim that activists should negotiate more with business leaders is countered by King stating oppressors never freely give freedom, it must be demanded.

Answer:

• Civil rights activists are too eager for change and should instead expect gradual improvements. ↔ "We still creep at horse and buggy pace toward gaining a cup of coffee at a lunch counter. . . . I hope, sirs, you can understand our legitimate and unavoidable impatience."
• The city was about to swear in a new mayor, so civil rights activists should wait until a better time. ↔ "I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was 'well timed' in the view of those who have not suffered . . ."
• Civil rights activists should have more discussions with business leaders to convince them to willingly desegregate. ↔ "Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed."