FDR once said that a president must look beyond day-to-day administrative tasks and beyond simply making the inefficient efficient. The office of the presidency, Roosevelt continued, “is pre-eminently a place of moral leadership.” He added, “All great presidents were leaders of thought at times when certain historic ideas in the life of the nation had to be clarified.” This quote brings to mind Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” The letter is a good example of thought leadership and includes a persuasive combination of moral principles and historic ideas.
Written from jail in April 1963, MLK’s letter is a response to a coalition of eight local religious leaders who publicly criticized him in the local papers a few days earlier. MLK responded to this criticism in an open letter format, inviting the world into the conversation.
A key document of the civil rights movement, and our nation’s history, the letter is full of historical and philosophical ideas. It also has enoumous rhetorical and literary value. Throughout his argument, while answering the criticism and sharing his perspective on current events, MLK liberally quotes from the Bible, states his moral beliefs, and provides witness to his faith.
Regarding one point of the criticism, MLK expresses disappointment that his nonviolent campaign was seen as the effort of an extremist. In addressing this point, he explaines his methods and limited alternatives. After carefully addressing the criticism, he quotes Jesus, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln and reflects that they too must be seen as extremists.
With ideas founded on shared moral principles, MLK pivots from defending his actions to criticizing his critics for their inaction. This pivot is a key element of the letter, and it is worth studying how politely and respectfully MLK states his criticisms while still being direct and uncompromising. The pivot opens the dialogue to the wider audience and demonstrates thought leadership in action. He works to inform and transform his listener’s perspectives, clarifying their involvement in light of shared ideas and shared moral principles. I believe the previously established moral principles most enable this pivot.
Leading with moral principles isn’t easy, but it is effective. The path forward may prove long and arduous, but you’ll have the satisfaction of doing the right thing right. In celebration of MLK day this year, 2022, consider reading or re-reading “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” Among many other benefits, it will provide a lesson in leadership.
With reverence and respect to MLK and his work, and in celebration of his birthday and day of remembrance, 2022.
Glenn DiCostanzo
Jan 12, 2022