In this recorded speech, King addresses criticisms from fellow southern clergy men that his work in Birmingham was “unwise and untimely”. He describes that in any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist, negotiation, self-purification, and direct action. King tells how the current situation in Birmingham, Alabama coincide with these steps. He argues that non violent direct action is his a moral responsibility when injustice is found.