Question

Read the excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”

I have tried to stand between these two forces, saying that we need emulate neither the "do nothingism" of the complacent nor the hatred and despair of the black nationalist.

How does King support this claim?
by listing churches who support his nonviolent stand
by describing nonviolent direct action as a peaceful middle ground
by urging church leaders to abandon their “do nothing” approaches
by insisting that complacency is preferable to hatred and violence

Answer 1

by describing nonviolent direct action as a peaceful middle ground

King supports the claim by explaining nonviolent direct action as a constructive, peaceful alternative between complacent "do nothingism" and violent despair, positioning it as the middle ground.