Guidelines from Dr. Martin Luther King

“The time is always right to do right…
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere…
Justice too long delayed is justice denied…”

Ladies and Gentlemen: We have experienced grave disappointment with the so-called ‘moderates’ who are usually much more concerned about maintaining order (and the status quo) than they are about justice.

I will be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has a legal and a moral responsibility to do so. Conversely one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. Any law that uplifts human personality is likely to be just, while any law that degrades human personality is likely to be unjust.

Mindful of the difficulties that we have endured, it is still crucial to be prepared and that means conducting a series of workshops on civil disobedience that are accessible to each and every community affected by injustice.

More and more I see people of ill will who use time, technology, resources and politics more effectively than people of goodwill. Therefore, each of us has to examine ourselves and take responsibility for our apathy and our silence until prejudice and hate are properly contained and civilized. We understand that there are many pent up resentments and latent frustrations, but we must allow them to be released; healthy discontent can be channeled into creative outlets, which can put an end to misunderstandings that trigger the cycles of violence.

Those of us involved in civil disobedience are merely bringing to the surface the hidden tension that is already present. Injustice must be exposed to allow the natural medicines of air and light to bring healing. The light of human conscience and the air of an informed nation are necessary before injustice can be cured.

There are basically four steps in a non-violent campaign: 1) collection of relevant facts, 2) reasonable negotiation, 3) self purification and only then 4) direct acts of civil disobedience.

The first goal is to open the doors for productive dialogue. We know through painful experience that freedom is rarely given by the oppressor voluntarily. Usually it must be demanded by those oppressed through direct actions which are carefully timed and organized to maximize the economic effects on the authorities. Acts of civil disobedience dramatize the issues so that they can be aired and addressed. Plus they expose tension that is necessary for our growth. Together these put pressure on the authorities for the need to change.

It is helpful to keep in mind that tension is an important part of the constructive transition from an obnoxious condition to a much more positive and peaceful situation in which everyone will respect the dignity and worth of human expression.

Let us hope that the dark clouds of prejudice will soon pass away and the thick fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear drenched community. May we find in the near future that the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will come out, and shine over our great nation with sparkling beauty.