Almost one hundred years separate Lincoln’s second inaugural address delivered on March 4, 1865 from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s open letter from Birmingham Jail written April, 16 1963. One hundred years is not a long time historically, but it is an eternity for a people oppressed and mistreated for several centuries, including most of the history of our young nation.

Discuss three things that connect Lincoln and King through these writings. Discuss at least one thing that separates them. What stands out most in your mind in Lincoln’s address and King’s letter?