Why We Can't Wait (Signet Classics)

by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Author), Jesse Jackson (Afterword)

152 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0451527530

ISBN-10: 0451527534

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Martin Luther King’s classic exploration of the events and forces behind the Civil Rights Movement—including his Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963.

“There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair.”

In 1963, Birmingham, Alabama, was perhaps the most racially segregated city in the United States. The campaign launched by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights movement on the segregated streets of Birmingham demonstrated to the world the power of nonviolent direct action.

In this remarkable book—winner of the Nobel Peace Prize—Dr. King recounts the story of Birmingham in vivid detail, tracing the history of the struggle for civil rights back to its beginnings three centuries ago and looking to the future, assessing the work to be done beyond Birmingham to bring about full equality for African Americans. Above all, Dr. King offers an eloquent and penetrating analysis of the events and pressures that propelled the Civil Rights movement from lunch counter sit-ins and prayer marches to the forefront of American consciousness.

Since its publication in the 1960s, Why We Can’t Wait has become an indisputable classic. Now, more than ever, it is an enduring testament to the wise and courageous vision of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Includes photographs and an Afterword by Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“No child should graduate from high school without having read this book. In telling the story of the third American Revolution, it is as integral to American history as the Declaration of Independence.”—Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.

About the Author

Martin Luther King, Jr., was born January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, the son and grandson of pastors. He graduated from Morehouse College and Crozer Theological Seminary, becoming at age 25 pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. He subsequently earned his Ph.D. from Boston University. In 1957 he and other civil rights leaders founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization he led until his death. A proponent of Gandhian principles of non-violence, he led many protests and demonstrations for civil rights, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 29, 1963, where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Winner of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, he continued to fight for civil rights, the eradication of poverty and the end of the Vietnam War. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, TN.

Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., is the founder and president of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, an organization committed to fighting for social, political, and economic justice for people of all races, genders, and creeds. A two-time candidate for President of the United States, Rev. Jackson has been called the “conscience of the nation.” Rev. Jackson is also renowned for his efforts around the world to spread the promise of democracy, human rights, and peace. Rev. Jackson and his wife, Jacqueline, reside in Chicago and are the proud parents of five children.

Series: Signet Classics
Paperback: 166 pages
Publisher: Signet (January 1, 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451527534
ISBN-13: 978-0451527530
Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 0.6 x 7.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 152 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,192 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3 in Books > Textbooks > Social Sciences > Political Science > Civil Rights
- #13 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Literature > American Literature
- #41 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > International & World Politics > Asian

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looker

One of the best books I've ever read

October 17, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

One of the best books I've ever read! I have been purchasing books on black history to get a firm idea on what really happened since this information isn't taught in school. The details about how each event was perfectly calculated to have the most effect is the most interesting thing about this book to me. Such an inspiration and I have learned so much, Please buy this book and educate yourself.

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Janet Shaffer

I love the Letter from Birmingham

February 28, 2018

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I don't know if anyone will read my post but I AM SURE that anyone who purchases this book will find enormous wisdom and empowerment within its pages. I love the Letter from Birmingham...it has had a great impact on me personally and goes beyond what we think of the work Martin Luther King Jr had done.
It should be a MUST read for all of us!

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JDL

YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK NOW!

July 27, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This book will expose and explain all of American history that is deliberately being withheld from school curriculum. If you read this book you will suddenly become aware of why modern day society has reached its epidemic levels.

This book will thrust you into activism. Dr. King was an intellectual far beyond his years. We have to be concerned with all humanity. My life is changed forever after reading this book!

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Amazon Customer

Great!

November 2, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

It saddens me to say this but until I read this book, Dr. King was a man I had little knowledge about. I knew he was an important figure in American history. But I must admit before I read this book I had no idea how important he was. I got this book because it was a required read for a course in college. I thought it'd be just another boring read but once I got through the introduction I could not put it down. What a GREAT man! His impact was not limited to just the black people in the America, it stretched (by his own design) cross the world. This is a must read for everyone. Great man, good book, it's just sad that he was killer before he could witness all the changes he started.

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monicae

Very little about the political climate has changed in 50 years...

April 9, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Living history. A look into the mind of Martin Luther King Jr. Turns out the man was every bit as brilliant as his eloquent speeches and history would suggest. Strange feeling about reading this in this day and age; so little has changed. Many of the things he discussed in the abstract still prevail today. The specifics are different, the discrimination more creative (though still primarily racial in nature but also economic, sexual orientation, religious etc) but the attitudes, the leadership (political, cultural, social), society's willingness to tolerate the denial of the rights of others to maintain the status quo. All are present and thriving in today's world.

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mimi

A GREAT BOOK-WILL READ AGAIN AND AGAIN

July 18, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I love learning about history in this period of time. It was a time of excitement, sorrowing, and joy. What a example for every American Mr. King can be for us. Book was wrote clear and precise. It explains his thinking and reasoning why he did what he did. Yes, Mr. King was not perfect but we are not either. We need to look beyond that in each other and learn all the good qualities that each of us have. I just cannot imagine what else he would have done to change this country if only his life was not cut so short. A book I will read again and again.

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Well-written defense of the Civil Rights Movement

June 29, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Originally published in 1964.

This book is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's. (1929-1968) well-written defense of the Civil Rights Movement. As the title suggests, it is the argument detailing why African-Americans could no longer wait for the rights that they were guaranteed by the Constitution to be eventually given to them and the best way to do that was the application of nonviolent direct action.

The strongest part of the argument is the middle third - the entire text of his famed Letter from Birmingham Jail. I think Letter from Birmingham Jail is one of the most profound documents in American history. Its arguments pull from multiple points and authors in history, the very documents and history that white Americans prided themselves as the roots of their own country while King sat in a jail - and shows that those roots were being ignored in defense of the indefensible when it came to African-Americans. It is truly a brilliant piece of writing because it is shows America why it was wrong in its own words in simple, direct, respectful words, calling it to rise up to its own ideals.

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Joseph

Post racial society is a myth

July 7, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I was raised to respect Dr Martin L. King. In a lot of black households, Dr Kings picture is right next to a picture of Jesus! People of my parents generation and before went through a lot to secure basic human rights- rights guaranteed by our constitution. Why is Martin a great man? He decided at 26 years old to lead a movement against the practice of JIM CROW that lasted almost 100 years after the civil war! He KNEW that this decision could lead to his death! The 13,14 and 15 admements didn't give blacks economic or political parity. It was so bad, especially in the south, that millions of blacks left their homes to find a better life up north- my grandfather being one of them.
Martin could of lived a comfortable life but he saw injustice everywhere and he did something about it! My life and millions like me are better off because of this man! This book explains his view points in beautiful detail and why he couldn't stop the march to progress. His life and unfortunate death opened the way for any oppressed group to recieve equal treatment under the law. This isn't just black history; this is American history!!

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Robin FriedmanTop Contributor: Philosophy

Martin Luther King's Why We Can't Wait

A new anthology on Martin Luther King's political philosophy, "To Shape a New World" (2018) edited by Harvard University professors Tommie Shelby and Brandon Terry has...Read more

Published 3 days ago

Amazon Customer

Four Stars

A VISIONARY MAN WHO KEPT HIS EYES ON THE PRIZE

Published 11 days ago

Moseley

Five Stars

This book is a classic must read for everyone!

Published 12 days ago

Frida Mwake

Five Stars

Excellent

Published 1 month ago

Amazon Customer

Five Stars

This book should be used in all schools excellent

Published 5 months ago

W. Deason

Very Educational Must Read!

This is a must read! I was able to read this book in 2 and a half days because it was so enthralling.Read more

Published 5 months ago

Geralyn M. Prosswimmer

Required reading.

Should be required reading for all!

Published 6 months ago

Mario Marset

Everything is perfect about it - please read the book!

Stupendous, the content is breathtaking, the edition of the book is very comfortable, it can almost fit in your pocket.
a beautiful edition

Published 8 months ago

Damany Hinds

Great book

Great book and a very compelling read. Displays struggle in achieving equality at the right time. Read if you have a chance!

Published 10 months ago

Amazon Customer

Excellent Read

Hands down one of the best books I have ever read.
I highly recommend to anyone looking for a historical, and captivating perspective of the Civil Rights movement.Read more

Published 1 year ago

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