As part of Black History Month at Southlands College, we’re beginning a series of book reviews from the college community. Here, Senior Colleges Warden, Shai Danmole-Ellis writes about Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.
martin luther king jr.
This landmark missive from one of the greatest activists in history calls for direct, non-violent resistance in the fight against racism, and reflects on the healing power of love. (1)
Shai writes:
There are few books that will both break your heart and give you hope.
For me, this book does that in the most powerful and succinct way. This collection of two essays by Dr King is something I come back to frequently.
Given the tumultuous year that we are experiencing and BLM protests worldwide, I am in awe of how prescient Dr King’s words were and also saddened that so little progress has been made in over 50 years.
But at the same time I love the timelessness of his words on a ‘complete life’ and I enjoy the idea that love in various forms is a necessity for life.
‘Letter from Birmingham Jail’ reignites the fire within to fight the injustices that you see and ‘The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life’ reminds you that love is the beginning of everything. I sincerely hope you get as much from this book as I have and it helps you to “Go out this morning. Love yourself…”
Shai Danmole-Ellis is Senior Colleges Warden at Southlands College, University of Roehampton.
#reefreads
