The Letter From Birmingham Jail and Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inauguration Address

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Several elements in King’s letter from Birmingham Jail and Lincoln’s second inaugural address connect the two historical figures, although other distinct features separate them. It is essential to reflect on these works in the light of other contributions, such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions. Owing to the historic social implications these works had in America, reflecting on the connectors, disparities, and the most outstanding aspects of Lincoln’s and King’s works is imperative to understanding their unique quests for social reform to narrow the divide among Americans.

There are constant Biblical references and references to God in both King’s and Lincoln’s works. “Yet if God wills that it continues until all the wealth piled…” is among the many instances Lincoln mentioned God in his speech, and is an indication that he recognizes God’s hand in the happenings of his time (“Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address”, n.d., par. 5). King is also cognizant of God’s influence in the events of his era in several instances, one in which he expresses gratitude to God that nonviolent ways had become an integral part of the struggle for equality (“Letter from Birmingham Jail”, n.d., par. 22). The ability of these figures to incorporate their faith in their works is a key connecting element between King and Lincoln.

Another point of convergence between King’s letter and Lincoln’s speech is that they directly and strongly spoke against racial segregation. For instance, King states that injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere, presenting the sociopolitical structures of his time as discriminatory (“Letter from Birmingham Jail”, n.d, par. 4).

Matching King’s sentiments, Lincoln also spoke of racial inequality, “It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God’s assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men’s faces,” revealing the oppressive nature of the system and practices in America during his time (“Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address”, n.d., par 4) Thus, Lincoln’s and King’s works present racial inequality as a critical social issue in their respective eras, portraying the happenings of their time as oppressive and discriminative.

Lincoln’s second inaugural address and King’s letter from Birmingham are similar in their advocacy for social change. King pushes for the need for direct action, claiming that “Human progress comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers with God” (“Letter from Birmingham Jail”, n.d., par. 21). In this regard, Lincoln spoke on the need for action, on the need to bind the nation’s wounds, urging others to see and do what is right (“Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address”, n.d., par. 6). Thus, both of these figures were calling Americans to action, persuading Americans to join in their respective causes and stand against the ongoing racial prejudice.

Despite these shared aspects, one key element separating King’s from Lincoln’s message relates to direct action. Lincoln was careful not to invite the public to actionable approaches such as boycotts. Instead, his was a persuasive approach, urging Americans to desist from the segregation of people of color. On the other hand, King called for protests against the oppression of people of color, asserting that the people of color needed to stand up against racial segregation, “Let him march; let him make prayer pilgrimages to the city hall; let him go on freedom rides -and try to understand why he must do so” (“Letter from Birmingham Jail”, n.d., par. 23). The quest for equality drove both figures, but their variant approaches to this cause make them distinct.

The most notable aspect of King’s and Lincoln’s work is their desire for social reform. They purposed to bring to light the principal issues plaguing the nation during their respective eras fearlessly. They declared that the time for change had come, and they called for others to join in the cause to address and solve the social challenges of their time. In the absence of these efforts, perhaps it could have taken a substantially longer time to make the progress that has been made so far in regard to racial equality.

In light of Stanton’s Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, the social issue of inequality, as addressed in King’s and Lincoln’s works, appears to be deeply rooted in America’s system. Stanton brings the discrimination of women by the patriarchal society, “The history of mankind is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman,” despite them being primary constituents of that same social structure (“Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions”, n.d., par. 18).

The Letter from Birmingham held a similar sentiment, noting, “There are some counties in which, even though Negroes constitute a majority of the population, not a single Negro is registered” (“Letter from Birmingham Jail”, n.d., par. 15). Lincoln also challenged the existing system of his time, questioning the morality of those who sought to “wring the sweat” off of others’ faces for their own benefit. Stanton’s message adds to the perspective of King’s and Lincoln’s works; that inequality is deeply rooted in America’s history.

In conclusion, King’s letter and Lincoln’s inauguration letter possess multiple interconnecting components, although some distinct aspects separate Lincoln’s address from King’s letter. They both took advantage of their positions in society and their outstanding public speaking competence to persuasively address issues of concern during their respective times. King and Lincoln spoke on racial oppression and segregation from religious and moral standpoints and advocated for action to effect the much-needed change. The overwhelming messages from King’s letter and Lincoln’s address helped America transform into a nation still learning to appreciate rather than despise differences.