Refer to Explorations in Literature for a complete version of the text. In “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Martin Luther King, Jr., presents the idea that American history includes African Americans, too; that is, African Americans can claim the same historical heritage as white Americans. At the time, this was a radical idea. How does King develop this theme? Select each correct answer. He points out the many ways that African Americans have contributed to the culture of America. He describes how African Americans were present “before Plymouth Rock” and through many key moments in American history. He argues that African Americans would have participated in more events of American history if white Americans had been willing to include them. He makes connections between the American fight for independence from Britain and the civil rights movement.