The Letter Of A Birmingham Jail By Bryan Loritts - 877 Words

In the Letter to a Birmingham Jail edited by Bryan Loritts, the reader is given several reflections from various individuals who were influenced by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. s A Letter from Birmingham Jail. These various accounts contain an overall theme of injustice, inequality and focus on how the church plays a pivotal role in correcting such societal issues. In the section, A Painful Joyful Journey, the reader reviews the life of Crawford W. Lorittis Jr. and his navigation in the North as an educated black man. In this section he addresses the many societal adjustments he had to encounter throughout life. Often criticized by both the Black and White community, Lorritis sought validation from both groups, as a way to gain self-worth. Proving Yourself to Whites Taking into consideration the controversial and unjust time period, Lorittis Northern upbringing was very progressive in comparisons to most black families living within the South. Reflecting on his childhood Lorittis states, I did not grow up feeling uncomfortable around white people; nor did I feel the need for their approval in order for me to feel good about myself (137). His parents migrating to the North afforded him a better living, and as a result a he was raised in a moderately secured environment. With that said, the majority of Lorittis schooling was integrated and as a result he truly didn t feel the effects of segregation and racism. When entering his predominate white college, it is