The Point of Martin Luther King's Letter

Martin Luther King, in his letter from Birmingham Jail, was written as a response to the people writing to him, asking him to stop his protests for various reasons, and saying that he should wait to hold them until a better time. King's letter explains to these men why there is no 'ideal time' for holding such protests, and goes on to explain why the protests must be held, for the sake of the African-American community. King tries to make the men understand what it feels like to be a black man in a white-run society, with many options unavailable to you, and many people who despise you simply for the color of your skin. King uses a great deal of pathos in his letter, trying to form an emotional connection with the men, as well as backing up his claims with examples and facts. King sends a powerful message to these men, hoping to change their minds about the issue, so that his reasoning would be understood.