Why We Can't Wait (Signet Classics)

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

159 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.

Product details

Series: Signet Classics
Paperback: 166 pages
Publisher: Signet (January 1, 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451527534
ISBN-13: 978-0451527530
Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.7 x 7.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 159 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,160 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #12 in Civil Rights
- #59 in American Literature (Books)
- #107 in Asian Politics

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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!

11 people found this helpful

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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.

10 people found this helpful

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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!

9 people found this helpful

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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!!

10 people found this helpful

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♫NewHorizons♫

I can't recommend Why We Can't Wait highly enough

January 27, 2019

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

A truly fine work by a remarkable man, Martin Luther King, engaged in revolution through the principles of direct nonviolent action. A great document on the civil-rights marches of the early 1960s, which includes Dr. King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail." This is necessary reading for anyone who wants to learn more about the civil rights events of the 60s.

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Amazon Customer

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.

One person found this helpful

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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.

One person found this helpful

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Charlie M. Clint

Importand Message -- Beautifully Written!

February 7, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Though I lived during these amazing, historical events, I had never read any of Dr. King's books (except for excerpts). It was informative and moving to 'hear' Dr. King discussing what happened from his insider's perspective. Such an intelligent and thoughtful man, it was like being transported back in time.

While I had expected the intellectual aspect of the book, I was delightfully surprised by the beauty of the actual writing! The entire book had a feeling of prose to me. For those who don't generally enjoy non-fiction, this book is a really pleasant read, which might seem akin to a historical novel.

The events came alive and I remembered how amazing those times were. I read this for MLK Day 2013, and it was a perfect way to commemorate the occasion!

(This really should be required reading in school...)

One person found this helpful

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