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110%er [5776]
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Letter From Birmingham Jail written by MLK on 16 April 1963
Jan 19, 2013, 9:57 PM
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Until today, I had never read this letter. I found it referenced in a sports article early this morning.
http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/resources/article/annotated_letter_from_birmingham/#birmingham
I was eleven years old growing up on a cotton farm in Anderson, South Carolina at the time of this letter being written. My skin color is white. Nobody ordered me to think a certain way. But adults made sure I knew the general expectations. Nothing made any sense at all to me. And I questioned everything then, just as I still do now. I did not understand the logic of signs by water fountains forbidding certain people from drinking. When I dug post holes all day with U.T., I did not understand why he was not invited to share meals at our family dining table. So I always went outside and ate beside my co-worker and friend. U.T. is one of my favorite people ever. When the church had a contest to invite the unsaved to revival, I mentioned how I intended to win. But my approach was not allowed since it involved going door to door inviting everyone at every house independent of the color of their skin. I vividly remember losing any further interest in the festivities. But I did point out what I considered to be an obvious and serious conflict.
I have often heard the most memorable and well known speeches given by Dr. King and am well aware of his most famous phrases and challenges. The details in this letter were captivating. Each word was riveting. 6,868 perfectly chosen words to respond to an open letter written to Dr. King by eight Birmingham clergymen that had just been published in the newspaper. Apparently a newspaper, Dr. King had received, read, and addressed while in prison for civil disobedience in Birmingham. His letter is one of the most perfectly written documents that I have ever read.
What does this have to do with Clemson? The enrollment of Harvey Gantt at Clemson occurred in January 1963 just prior to the writing of the letter discussed above.
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110%er [6686]
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Well written - I had similar experiences except I rode
Jan 19, 2013, 10:12 PM
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bicycle down to see Harveys Enrollment - it was well publlicized with most famous newcasters of the day - about one year of Meredith enrollment At Miss, where there was big riot. We wanted to see the broadcasters more than anything. No incidents - very peaceful, I think the networks were disappointed. I am proud of Clemson and Harvey Gantt, who most of you know became well known architect then Mayor of Charlotte, and almost beat Jessie Helms for senate. There is great museum named after him in Charlotte. Thanks for the memories, tigeron '66!
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Head Coach [791]
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My father was a Clemson Student with Harvey...
Jan 19, 2013, 10:32 PM
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He said it was no picnic for him and that although he never saw any physical abuse he said students egged his door and verbally abused him pretty regularly. My father also grew up working the cotton and tobacco fields where most of the workers were black. I have never heard him once say anything racist, or any of his friends for that matter. That generation might have been more progressive than most gave them credit for. They might not have marched with Dr. King but they certainly would have never protested it. Mostly they seemed like a generation that was inspired to achieve and get out of the small town and off the farm.
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110%er [6686]
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I was a day student and worked my way through
Jan 19, 2013, 10:51 PM
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so that I why I rode my bicycle. So I did not know much of what was going on - on campus. Sorry to hear about the "egging" and "verbal abuse."
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Orange Blooded [4757]
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Several years ago
Jan 19, 2013, 11:03 PM
[ in reply to My father was a Clemson Student with Harvey... ] |
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I was getting a haircut when the barber noticed my Clemson ring, and we struck up a discussion. Turns out he was a student when Gantt was admitted into the University. He revealed that he and several other students used to take shifts bouncing a golf ball off the floor in the dormitory room directly above Gantt's, all hours of the day and night. He didn't attempt to convey any particular emotion while recounting the story, he was very matter-of-fact about it; but to this day I swear I saw him smirk while he was relaying the story. I hope I'm wrong, or that it was at least a smirk of regret. But I don't think it was.
I suspect there's a lot that Gantt went through that has never been publicly revealed. Thank God he had the strength and endurance to pave the way for future minority students.
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110%er [6686]
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Amen!***
Jan 19, 2013, 11:06 PM
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Legend [18133]
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Re: Several years ago
Jan 20, 2013, 9:05 AM
[ in reply to Several years ago ] |
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I'm sure to Mr. Gantt that was just white noise.
BOOM!
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Orange Blooded [4757]
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HEY-ohhhhhhhhh***
Jan 20, 2013, 5:32 PM
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CU Guru [1490]
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Well, there ARE certain people I will not drink after and
Jan 19, 2013, 10:32 PM
[ in reply to Well written - I had similar experiences except I rode ] |
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I personally think they should have their own school..........Gamecocks. When it comes to them, I say Segregation now, Segregation tomorrow and Segregation Forever!!! 1st time I ever quoted George Wallace!
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Orange Blooded [2533]
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This letter is buried in history and pretty lengthy
Jan 19, 2013, 10:19 PM
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Perfect wording doesn't necessarily accomplish what it could if verbiage were spared. "Less is More." But more to what should disturb many but doesn't these present days: the most "holy" day of the week here in the south is also the most segregated day of the week.
Back to sports I guess.
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Orange Blooded [2394]
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Other than the music, I'm so glad I wasn't around for those
Jan 19, 2013, 10:24 PM
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days. I can't imagine living around here during that time and being around people that actually believed other people should use separate water fountains, schools, etc, etc. Just a sad time in American history...
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110%er [6686]
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Not far removed from military school days, Clemson
Jan 19, 2013, 10:43 PM
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had only a small percentage of female students and to me had a very unbalanced unhealthy atmosphere. I don't think there was a girls' dormitory until 1967 and football was mediocre - Howard was funny and powerful, but his teams usually only won 6 or 7 games a year and 3 yds and a cloud of dust was his offenxive philosophy. Academics in most departments wes not as good. Barker becoming President and then Dabo as coach are two of the best things that has happened at Clemson - count your blessings! Enjoy the day and be ALL IN! Get well soon President Barker!
On a positive note, Frank Howard had a great record against usuc and got Clemson out of annual Big Thursday game which was unfairly in Columbia every year! Our overall record against usuc is most amazing because the first 60 games were all in Columbia!
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Legend [19697]
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I pastor a church in a predominantly black neighborhood
Jan 19, 2013, 10:33 PM
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in Columbia. We're having a special MLK day service at our church Monday evening. I'm going to quote what King says here about the church, as he is 100% correct. While racism and hatred will exist in the world, as it is natural there, it has no place in the church. I'm Southern Baptist, and sadly, we have a long history of racist attitudes. I can attest they still exist among some members, as I've encountered it in all 4 churches I've served. I am joyful to say they are a shrinking opinion and have been denounced by our denomination and by many pastors I know, including myself. But church is still the most segregated hour of the week. We've come a long way, but still have far to go. These attitudes exist on both sides, and trust is the biggest issue I see. Thanks for posting this
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Legend [18133]
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Back in the '80's, I was pastor of a Baptist church near
Jan 20, 2013, 9:14 AM
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Westminster, SC. I made a reference to the KKK in a sermon one day. At the door, one of my deacons grabbed my hand and pulled me close. He whispered, "I'd be careful what I said about the Klan if I were you."
I pulled back so I could look him in the eye. "Are you telling me we have Klan members in this congregation?"
His eyes expressed more threat than warning as he repeated, "I'd be careful if I were you."
I served that church for over 7 years and learned a good bit about the affiliations. The Hampton Raiders were very active in that community at one time and the sentiment continued to that day. It was going to take several funerals before there was any chance of it going away for good. I'm sure those funerals have all occurred. I hope the situation has changed.
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Orange Blooded [3677]
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Kind of a weak reply, but my best friend in
Jan 19, 2013, 10:36 PM
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Jr high, about mid 60's was a fellow named Nathon Lawson.
Having him come over was frowned upon, being young and innocent I never understood.
I think of Nathon to this day.
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110%er [5776]
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I see nothing weak in your reply --- Another perfect example
Jan 19, 2013, 10:45 PM
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of instinctively knowing what is right and what is not.
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CU Medallion [55433]
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CU Medallion [55787]
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thanks for a meaningful, relevant, and thoughtful post.***
Jan 19, 2013, 10:46 PM
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CU Guru [1057]
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Re: Letter From Birmingham Jail written by MLK on 16 April 1963
Jan 19, 2013, 10:51 PM
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Thank you for posting this.
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110%er [6686]
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Yes, thank you TigerinLA
Jan 19, 2013, 10:57 PM
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Proud you are my cousin even if pretty far removed!
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Team Captain [490]
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Re: Letter From Birmingham Jail written by MLK on 16 April 1963
Jan 19, 2013, 11:10 PM
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Great Post! Thanks
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1st Rounder [632]
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Thanks for posting
Jan 19, 2013, 11:37 PM
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This response by King is an excellent overview of his philosophy and movement. Important to read his words as so many grow cynical today. I enjoyed reading it as it showed how he found a profound truth and trusted in it, and dillifently worked to gain stregnth with it. His comittment to peace despite all the mindless hatred is very inspirational and a great Christian witness, much more so than the so called christians who generated the hate.
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CU Guru [1899]
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Re: Letter From Birmingham Jail written by MLK on 16 April 1963
Jan 20, 2013, 12:05 AM
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Thanks for the post. 'just reading it, and bookmarked it for future reference.
Sidenote: when I was at Clemson, our Arch class took a field trip to Harvey Gantt's office. He spoke with us, showed us some of the Arch and Planning projects they were currently working on, and gave some encouraging words to our group. 'certainly enjoyed the trip. You knew you were listening to someone special.
Thanks, again!
GO TIGERS!!!
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110%er [5014]
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Thanks for a great reminder!
Jan 20, 2013, 12:19 AM
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Nm
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All-In [25393]
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I credit my parents who were not flaming liberals, but
Jan 20, 2013, 5:09 AM
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believed in treating others with respect, for my attitudes toward others throughout the years. I grew up in Rock Hill during the 50's and 60's and actually witnessed the protests of the Friendship Seven downtown, the interferences by the police and the taunting and jeering by certain elements. I witnessed the peaceful integration of Rock Hill High School, and while at Clemson the continuing enrollment of both minorities and females. As I reflect, perhaps, one of the greatest influences was the management at a department store, Efirds, where I had a parttime job beginning at age 15 in 1962.
The store catered to lower and middle income people, and the managers had a strict policy of treating ALL customers with respect and dignity. Since a large part of our clientele were black, I learned early on that most people were simply in the same circumstances as I...struggling just to cope with life...and I learned the values of tolerance and appreciation for others.
Most importantly, as I have grown older, I have come to realize that all men are created from and return to the earth in the same manner. And when we depart this earth, all the bitterness, hatreds and conflicts in which we may have engaged will have served only to diminish the quality of the short time we are afforded on this earth.
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All-TigerNet [12098]
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I remember my 10th birthday
Jan 20, 2013, 8:27 AM
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I wanted to invite everybody in my class to my party. My folks said it was ok. A couple of the parents of the few black kids in my class weren't sure if it was a good idea (it was the second year of integration in Spartanburg) and I had a real hard time understanding. I lived in a white neighborhood, they lived in a black neighborhood but we were close enough to walk to each other's houses but too far away as a society to come together. One girl did come to the party (her mom worked with mine at the hospital) and interestingly enough she is the only person from that 5th grade class white or black that I'm still in touch with.
About 7 white kids didn't come to the party either. I'd like to think it was because they were busy and not because Cynthia was there.
Thanks for your OP
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All-In [39020]
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If that's why they stayed away
Jan 20, 2013, 6:00 PM
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you didn't want them there anyway.
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110%er [5776]
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Just noticed the letter was written 50 years ago***
Jan 21, 2013, 9:17 AM
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CU Guru [1803]
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thank you for sharing-I cringe to think of how unaware my
Jan 21, 2013, 1:11 PM
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friends and i were during this time. High school (Greenville) and early college(Winthrop)with no thoughts other than who our next date would be. How could we have ignored all that was happening in the world....
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