MILANI-MLK ARTICLE

FROM SELMA TO BARBIANA: Civil Disobedience and Conscientious Objection in the Lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Don Lorenzo Milani

By Marco Tavanti, Elizabeth Wilp and Julie Tavanti

** Reflections inspired by the Centennial Celebrations of Don Milani (1923–2023)

First published on May 17, 2024 on the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court landmark decision of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas ruling on May 17, 1954 that state laws establishing racial segregation in public schools were unconstitutional.

Photo Credits: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. leading the five-day, 54-mile march for voting rights in 1965, from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery. Other leaders include John Lewis (right) who was 25 years old at the time.(Photo: Steve Schapiro); Dr. King during the famous speech “I have a dream” on August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. as part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom ((photo: ullstein bild — AP). Cover of the book: Protest at Selma by David J. Garrow; Cover of the book: L’obbedienza non e’ piu una virtú [Obedience is no longer a virtue]; Cover of the book Don Milani: Vita di un profeta disobbediente [Life of a disobedient prophet] by Mario Lancisi; Poster of the Movie “Selma” (2014).

The American Segregation and Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement emerged as a powerful response to the pervasive racial segregation and systemic discrimination faced by African Americans in the United States, despite the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln after the Civil War and the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. From the late 19th century through the mid-20th century, Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation in the South, disenfranchising black citizens and relegating them to second-class status. This era was marked by unequal access to education, employment, housing, and voting rights, along with widespread violence and intimidation against African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Native Americans.

Jim Crow laws, which began systematically instituting racial segregation in the 1890s, mandated the separation of races in virtually every aspect of public life. Public facilities, including water fountains, restaurants, theaters, restrooms, stores, buses, trains, and workplaces, were typically designated with “White Only” and “Colored” signs. Restaurant Associations distributed signs to its members to hang in their restaurant windows, ensuring that American Indians, Mexican Americans, and African Americans were subjected to these oppressive regulations and racial discrimination. These laws were not merely social customs but legal mandates that entrenched racial inequality and perpetuated a social order that oppressed minorities.

The impact of these laws extended beyond public spaces, permeating every aspect of life for African Americans. They faced disenfranchisement through literacy tests, poll taxes, and other discriminatory practices designed to prevent them from voting. For instance, educational facilities for black children were vastly underfunded and inferior compared to those for white children. Employment opportunities were severely restricted, and black workers were often relegated to the lowest-paying, most hazardous jobs. Housing discrimination confined African Americans to overcrowded, impoverished neighborhoods, further entrenching economic and social disparities. Acts of violence and intimidation, including lynching and beatings, were used to terrorize black communities and suppress any efforts to challenge the status quo. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s sought to dismantle these legal and social structures, leading to landmark legislation such as the desegregation of schools in 1954, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which began to dismantle the legal framework of Jim Crow and paved the way for greater equality and justice.

At the forefront of this movement stood Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister and activist whose leadership was pivotal in galvanizing support and achieving significant milestones for civil rights. Dr. King advocated for nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience as powerful tools to confront and dismantle unjust laws. His philosophy was heavily influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence and Henry David Thoreau’s ideas on civil disobedience. Alongside Dr. King were other influential leaders such as Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Malcolm X, who, through his advocacy for black empowerment and self-defense, provided a powerful counter-narrative to the nonviolent approach.

Rosa Parks, often referred to as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,” played a crucial role in igniting the fight against segregation through her courageous act of defiance. Her arrest in 1955 led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event that brought national attention to the civil rights struggle and showcased the power of collective action. Meanwhile, Malcolm X, a charismatic leader known for his eloquence and advocacy for black nationalism, emphasized the importance of black pride and self-reliance. His speeches and writings inspired many to seek a more assertive stance against racial oppression.

Their contributions, along with the pioneering work of leaders like W. E. B. Du Bois and other black activists, channeled their efforts into important movements and organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The combined sacrifices and actions of these leaders collectively paved the way for greater equality and justice in American society.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Leadership in Civil Disobedience

“I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that “an unjust law is no law at all. […] One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty. I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Letter from a Birmingham Jail, 1963.

Martin Luther King Jr. is well-known for his most prominent activism, political philosophy, and transformative leadership in the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. A son of early civil rights activist and minister Dr. King dedicated his life to advancing civil rights for people of color in the United States through nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience against legalized discrimination. In Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. King led nonviolent protests against segregationist policies, resulting in widespread media coverage and drawing national attention to the plight of African Americans. His famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” written during this campaign, articulated the moral imperative of civil disobedience in the face of unjust laws. Specifically, he presents several main arguments to justify the Civil Rights Movement’s use of direct action and to respond to criticisms from white clergymen. Here are his key arguments:

1. Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere: Dr. King argues that individuals cannot sit idly by when injustice occurs, as it affects everyone. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of communities and the moral responsibility to fight against injustice wherever it exists.
2. The Four Basic Steps of Nonviolent Campaigns: Dr. King outlines the steps involved in a nonviolent campaign: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist, negotiation, self-purification, and direct action. He explains that the Birmingham campaign had followed these steps meticulously.
3. Just and Unjust Laws: Dr. King differentiates between just and unjust laws, stating that individuals have a moral responsibility to obey just laws and to disobey unjust laws. He defines an unjust law as one that degrades human personality and is not rooted in natural or eternal law.
4. The Urgency of Now: Dr. King counters the criticism that the Civil Rights Movement should wait for a more convenient time. He argues that African Americans have waited long enough for their rights and that “justice too long delayed is justice denied.”
5. Criticism of White Moderates: Dr. King expresses disappointment with white moderates, whom he describes as more devoted to order than to justice. He criticizes their preference for a negative peace (the absence of tension) over a positive peace (the presence of justice).
6. The Role of the Church: Dr. King criticizes the white church and its leadership for not supporting the struggle for civil rights. He laments that many religious leaders have been more cautious than courageous and have remained silent in the face of injustice.
7. The Myth of Time: Dr. King refutes the idea that time alone will solve social problems. He argues that progress requires continuous and persistent effort and that waiting for a “more convenient season” often means never acting at all.
8. Moral Responsibility and Civil Disobedience: Dr. King defends the necessity of civil disobedience, arguing that breaking an unjust law lovingly and willingly accepting the penalty can highlight the injustice and inspire change.

Dr. King’s letter is a powerful defense of the Civil Rights Movement’s strategy and a profound statement on justice, morality, and the need for immediate action against racial inequality. Through his eloquent and impassioned prose, Dr. King articulates the philosophical and ethical foundations of the movement. He underscores the importance of nonviolent direct action, explaining that such measures are necessary to create a crisis and foster tension, which forces the issue to the forefront of public consciousness. By doing so, it compels negotiation and potential reconciliation, which passive waiting and inaction cannot achieve. Through these arguments, Dr. King’s letter not only defends the Civil Rights Movement’s methods but also serves as a clarion call for all individuals and institutions to actively engage in the fight against racial injustice and to recognize the urgency and moral imperative of the cause.

The Selma to Montgomery marches, particularly the violent confrontation on “Bloody Sunday” (March 7, 1965), underscored the brutality of segregationist authorities and catalyzed public support for legal changes. These marches exemplified the civil disobedience methods championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement characterized by the following key elements of Dr. King’s civil disobedience methods:

1. Nonviolent Resistance: Dr. King’s strategy emphasized peaceful protest and civil disobedience to expose the inherent injustice and violence of segregationist policies, compelling society to confront the moral crisis of racial discrimination.
2. Inspirational Leadership: Dr. King’s eloquence, courage, and steadfast commitment to justice were instrumental in mobilizing masses. His speeches and public appearances framed the struggle for civil rights within a broader context of universal human rights and moral responsibility, drawing from Christian theology and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.
3. Principle of Nonviolent Direct Action: This approach sought to create constructive tension to force society to address racial injustices. This approach involved four basic steps. First, the collection of facts was essential to establish the presence of injustice through meticulous documentation. Next, negotiation involved attempting to reach agreements with local authorities to address these injustices. Self-purification was the third step, where activists prepared themselves spiritually and emotionally for the potential violence they might face. Finally, direct action entailed engaging in peaceful protests despite any threats, thereby compelling the nation to confront and address the systemic inequities.
4. Strategic Use of Media: The brutal response of law enforcement on Bloody Sunday was broadcast nationwide, evoking widespread public outrage and sympathy for the movement. This use of media showcased the contrast between peaceful protesters and violent authorities, shifting public opinion and garnering support.
5. Acceptance of Legal Consequences: Dr. King’s commitment to civil disobedience involved willingly accepting arrest and imprisonment for breaking unjust laws. This highlighted the moral high ground of the activists and underscored the illegitimacy of the oppressive laws they were protesting, demonstrating the depth of their conviction.
6. Legislative Impact: Through these methods, the Civil Rights Movement achieved significant legislative changes, such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which dismantled many barriers to African American enfranchisement. The marches from Selma to Montgomery became a symbol of the power of nonviolent resistance and the importance of standing up against injustice.

He played pivotal roles in several key events, including leading the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and serving as the first president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolence and his eloquent oratory, exemplified by his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech during the 1963 March on Washington, galvanized public support and brought international attention to the struggle for racial equality. Despite facing frequent imprisonment, violent opposition, and surveillance by the FBI, Dr. King continued to advocate for justice, expanding his focus in his later years to include opposition to poverty and the Vietnam War. His dedication to these causes earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

Tragically, Dr. King was assassinated in 1968 while planning the Poor People’s Campaign, a national occupation of Washington, D.C., aimed at addressing economic injustices. Dr. King’s leadership exemplifies lessons for resisting injustices everywhere through strategically coordinated civil disobedience actions aimed at social, legal, political, economic, and cultural changes. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 15 established as a federal holiday and the Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. are testaments to his enduring impact on American society and the ongoing fight for civil rights and justice. His leadership continues to inspire as many instances and practices of enduring discrimination persist to this day.

Don Lorenzo Milani and Conscientious Objection

“…to have the courage to tell young people that they are all sovereign, that obedience is no longer a virtue but the most insidious of temptations, that they should not think they can use it as a shield before men or before God, that they must feel each one as the only one responsible for everything.” — Don Milani, Lettera ai Giudici [Letter to the Judges], 1965.

During the same period as Martin Luther King Jr. was championing civil rights in the United States, across the Atlantic in Italy, Don Lorenzo Milani was leading a parallel struggle against injustice. Both Don Milani and Dr. King understood the importance of taking a moral stance as ministers of the church, using their positions not just to “preach morality” but to actively advocate for the marginalized. Don Milani’s radical approach to education and social justice mirrored Dr. King’s nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, with both leaders aiming to mobilize oppressed classes towards societal change.

Don Milani was part of a broader movement for social justice in Italy, which in the early 1960s was deeply involved in debates and activism surrounding nonviolence and conscientious objection. This movement included prominent figures such as Florence Mayor Giorgio La Pira and dissident priests like Fr. Ernesto Balducci, who played crucial roles in advancing and defending the rights of conscientious objectors. Don Milani and his students, first in Calenzano and later in Barbiana, were actively engaged in this movement, contributing through critical writings and public advocacy. Mayor La Pira defied a government ban to screen a controversial French film “Tu ne tueras point” [Non uccidere, Thou Shalt Not Kill], which depicted the imprisonment of a young French Catholic for his conscientious objection. La Pira organized a private screening and invited prominent political, cultural, and military figures, arguing that it was essential to respect the value of conscience. This act of civil disobedience underscored the importance of moral integrity and the need to update laws to protect individual conscience. Father Balducci defied other Church positions regarding Giovanni Gozzini, the first Italian conscientious objector to refuse military service on religious and moral grounds in November 1962. Gozzini’s refusal led to a trial and Fr. Balducci, who expressed publicly his support of conscientious objection, led to his own trial and eventual conviction, demonstrating the contentious nature of the issue within the Italian Catholic community.

Don Milani was deeply engaged in the debates and activism surrounding nonviolence and conscientious objection. He attended an event organized by his former students of the Popular School in Calenzano during which he not only translated from French the speaker Jean Goss, a prominent member of the International Movement for Reconciliation, but also entered into an animated debate. Don Milani boldly criticized the Catholic Church for being slower than other churches in recognizing conscientious objection. This stance sparked a heated debate with Don Luigi Stefani, who accused Milani of lacking respect and deference towards the Church. About a month later, in December 1962, Don Milani supported a demonstration organized by nonviolent activists in Florence in solidarity with Giuseppe Gozzini, who was on trial at the military tribunal for his conscientious objection. Don Milani planned to attend the demonstration with his students from Barbiana and his former students from San Donato, showing his strong support for the cause. Although the trial was postponed, Don Milani’s commitment to nonviolence and conscientious objection was clear, aligning him with other pacifist leaders and reinforcing his role in the broader movement for social justice.

Don Milani entered the public and highly controversial debate with his response to a statement by a group of military chaplains from the diocese of Florence, who declared conscientious objection as an insult to the country and its fallen soldiers, labeling it as cowardice. Don Milani, discussing the statement with his students, recognized its provocatory nature and felt compelled to respond. He wrote an open letter, published on February 22, and distributed a thousand copies, including to every priest in the Florence diocese, friends, acquaintances, and major newspapers and cultural journals. This response, reflecting his dual role as a teacher and a priest, emphasized the importance of moral integrity and the defense of those imprisoned for their ideals, further cementing Don Milani’s stance on conscientious objection and his dedication to social justice.

Don Milani’s involvement is particularly noted through his highly publicized “Letter to the Military Chaplains” and “Letter to the Judges,” both compiled in the book “Obedience is No Longer a Virtue.” In these writings, Don Milani argues against blind obedience to authority and supports the moral right to conscientious objection. He criticized both patriotic and traditional Catholic perspectives that justified compulsory military service, asserting that true moral integrity requires individuals to critically evaluate directives and resist those that conflict with their conscience and ethical principles.

In the “Letter to the Military Chaplains,” Don Milani divides his arguments into three key themes: the concept of “patria” (homeland), the immorality of war, and the role of military chaplains. He redefines “patria” not in nationalistic terms but in terms of popular sovereignty, liberty, and justice, provocatively stating that his true allegiance lies with the oppressed, not with national borders. On the topic of war, he argues that the only just defense of the homeland is through peaceful means such as strikes and voting, citing Article 11 of the Italian Constitution, which repudiates war as an instrument of offense. He critiques Italy’s historical wars as unjust, with the sole exception of the partisan resistance during World War II. Finally, Donn Milani challenges military chaplains to educate soldiers in conscientious objection rather than blind obedience, emphasizing the moral duty to recognize and resist orders that perpetuate aggression and inhumanity.

Don Milani’s “Letter to the Judges” further reinforces his stance, defending the right of conscientious objectors and criticizing the legal system that punishes them. His advocacy highlights the ethical imperative to question authority and act in accordance with one’s principles, even in the face of persecution and legal repercussions. Don Milani’s critical stance and his students’ writings, despite the isolation of Barbiana, mobilized the conscience of Italy’s marginalized classes, challenging social inequalities and unjust practices in post-fascist and industrializing Italy. Through his advocacy for conscientious objection, Don Milani underscored the importance of individual moral judgment and the need to resist unjust systems and practices, marking a significant chapter in the history of social justice in Italy.

Parallels between Martin Luther King Jr. and Don Lorenzo Milani

Despite their different contexts and approaches, Martin Luther King Jr. and Don Lorenzo Milani shared striking parallels in their commitment to justice and the use of nonviolent resistance. Both leaders viewed civil disobedience and conscientious objection as essential tools to confront and challenge systemic injustices. They believed in the transformative power of education and moral resistance to mobilize marginalized communities and drive societal change.

Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance was grounded in the belief that unjust laws must be confronted through peaceful means, appealing to the moral conscience of the broader society. His leadership in the Civil Rights Movement demonstrated how civil disobedience could mobilize public opinion, force legal changes, and inspire cultural transformation. Through organized protests, boycotts, and marches, King successfully highlighted the moral failings of segregation and discrimination, leading to landmark legislative changes. Similarly, Don Milani’s advocacy for conscientious objection emphasized the moral duty to resist unjust authority. In his “Letter to the Military Chaplains” and “Letter to the Judges” articulated a vision of justice that prioritized individual conscience over compliance with oppressive systems. He criticized both patriotic and traditional Catholic perspectives that justified compulsory military service, asserting that true moral integrity requires individuals to critically evaluate directives and resist those that conflict with their conscience and ethical principles.

Through his innovative teaching methods, Don Milani sought to mobilize the children of factory workers and farmers, transforming them into active participants in their own liberation. His approach was not merely about imparting knowledge but about fostering a sense of agency and critical consciousness among his students. Despite his forced isolation in Barbiana, Don Milani used his writing skills, instilled through the critical education of his students, to mobilize the conscience of Italy’s marginalized classes. His powerful letters and publications provoked changes in the mindset and unjust practices of post-fascist and industrializing Italy, challenging social inequalities and pushing for societal transformation.

The lives and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Don Lorenzo Milani offer profound insights into the pursuit of social justice. Here are five major lessons for social justice change drawn from their experiences:

1. Primacy of Nonviolent Resistance: Both leaders demonstrated that nonviolent resistance is a powerful and effective tool for confronting injustice. Peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and strategic use of media can mobilize public opinion, force legal changes, and inspire cultural transformation. Nonviolent methods maintain moral high ground, build broad-based support, and reduce the likelihood of violent backlash.
2. Empowerment Through Education: Education is a critical means of social empowerment and justice. Dr. King’s speeches and writings educated and inspired masses, while Don Milani’s innovative teaching methods fostered critical consciousness and agency among his students. Educating individuals about their rights and the mechanisms of oppression empowers them to challenge unjust systems and advocate for change.
3. Moral Integrity and Conscience: Both Dr. King and Don Milani emphasized the importance of individual conscience and moral integrity in resisting unjust laws and authority. They believed that individuals have a duty to prioritize ethical principles and moral consciousness over compliance with oppressive systems. This commitment to moral integrity inspires others to act courageously and ethically in the face of injustice.
4. Resilience in the Face of Persecution: Both leaders faced significant opposition and persecution but remained steadfast in their commitment to justice. Their willingness to endure personal hardships underscored their moral courage and dedication to their cause. This resilience demonstrates that enduring systemic injustice often requires personal sacrifice and unwavering dedication.
5. Value of Dissent and “Good Trouble”: Dissent should be welcomed as a vital component of social progress. Dr. King and Don Milani’s work highlights the importance of challenging unjust systems and practices through principled resistance. Don Milani has been called an “obedient rebel” and “disobedient prophet” which recall the term “good trouble” coined by Congressman John Lewis, another well-known Civil Rights leader, friend of Dr. King, and prominent American politician. Lewis emphasized the importance of dissenting for a common purpose, advocating for justice through nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. “Good Trouble” highlights the necessity of challenging unjust systems and practices to create a fairer society. Don Milani’s actions and teachings, like those of Lewis, demonstrate that rebellion against injustice, grounded in ethical convictions and aimed at the common good, is not only necessary but “virtuous”. On the other hand, not rebelling and blind obedience to unjust authorities can become “unvirtuous.”

Dr. King’s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, marked by his eloquent speeches, organized protests, and strategic use of media, mobilized millions and led to significant legislative reforms. His philosophy of nonviolence and civil disobedience continues to be a blueprint for movements worldwide that seek to address racial, social, and economic inequalities. Similarly, Don Milani’s work in the remote village of Barbiana, despite his isolation, had a profound impact on Italian society. His critical writings and educational philosophy challenged the status quo, advocating for the rights of the oppressed and the importance of moral conscience in resisting unjust authority. Don Milani’s advocacy for conscientious objection and his efforts to educate and empower the children of factory workers and farmers demonstrated the transformative potential of education as a tool for social justice. Together, Dr. King and Don Milani’s legacies remind us of the importance of standing up against injustice and the profound impact of principled resistance, serving as powerful examples for creating a more just and equitable world.

Institutions and leaders should recognize the value added by different voices and critical perspectives, welcoming dissent rather than resisting and squashing it. The historical example of Martin Luther, whose name Martin Luther King Jr. bore, underscores the importance of this approach. Luther’s critique of the Catholic Church’s corrupt practice of selling indulgences was met with intolerance by the Pope, leading to the Reformation and Counter-Reformation rather than a potential reform from within. This historical lesson confirms that dissenting voices can contribute to meaningful change and should be integrated rather than suppressed. Embracing dissent can lead to healthier, more resilient institutions that can adapt and improve through constructive criticism.

These lessons from Dr. King and Don Milani’s lives emphasize the power of nonviolent resistance, the critical role of education, the importance of moral integrity, the need for resilience, and the value of dissent in achieving social justice. Their legacies reinforce the idea that dissent, when rooted in a deep commitment to justice and equality, is a powerful force for positive change. Their life examples teach to welcome dissenting voices which can lead to healthier, more resilient institutions capable of adapting and improving through constructive criticism.

Suggested Citation: Tavanti, M., Wilp, E. & Tavanti, J. (2024, May 17). “From Selma to Barbiana: Civil Disobedience and Conscientious Objection in the Lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Don Lorenzo Milani.” Medium (EduVators). https://medium.com/p/8cfa5c28fedc

‌Explore More: Movie “Selma” is a 2014 historical drama based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches which were led by Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1020072/ ; The Movie “All the Way” (2016) featuring Lyndon B. Johnson Presidency in the chaotic aftermath of John F. Kennedy’s assassination and the leadership in his first year in office fighting to pass the Civil Rights Act. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3791216/ ; MLK/FBI reveals the FBI’s efforts, led by J. Edgar Hoover, to destroy Martin Luther King Jr.’s reputation and derail the Civil Rights Movement, using sealed files that expose wiretaps, blackmail, and threats, while also depicting King’s vulnerable moments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvfxzht9KUA

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About the Authors: Marco Tavanti is an Italian-born American professor who deeply appreciates Don Lorenzo Milani’s teaching methods. He learned about these methods near the Barbiana school early in his career. Marco’s work brings these impactful ideas into today’s teaching practices worldwide. Elizabeth Wilp is a researcher contributing to inclusive education, especially in curricula and classrooms with students from different cultures and backgrounds. Her research and experience provide important insights into how schools can be more effective and welcoming for all students. Julie Tavanti is a Chinese-born American student passionate about developing new ways to teach students who learn differently and helping more women get into STEM fields. Her unique background and dedication to diverse education shape her views and efforts.