Birmingham

King's purpose in this paragraph is to describe his own position, as a member of the SCLC. He goes onto say that he sees himself standing between two opposing forces for black change. One force is comprised of complacent blacks, who are either too demeaned to believe change possible or who have some modicum of success that they are unwilling to sacrifice for true equality. The other factions are violent, exemplified by Elijah Muhammad and his Black Muslim movement. Dr. King argues that he stands between the extremes, offering another solution..... a path towards nonviolent, loving protest.