"In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: 1) collection of the facts to determine whether injustices are alive; 2) negotiation; 3) self-purification; and 4) direct action. We have gone hrough all of these steps in Birmingham..Birmingham is probably the most thoroughly segregated city in the United States. Its ugly record of police brutality is known in every section of the country. Its unjust treatment of Negroes in the courts is a notorious reality. There have been more unsolved bombings of Negro homes and churches in Birmingham that in any city in this nation. These are the hard, brutal, and unbelievable facts. On the basis of these conditions Negro leaders sought to negotiate with the city fathers. But the political leaders consistently refused to engage in good faith negotiation."

Despite MLK's deep frustration and unsatisfactory results from multiple protests, sit-ins, and marches he miraculously stays calm and handled situations with grace and poise even in the face of his enemy.
His four step plan is a mature approach to his nonviolent campaigns but I am skeptical about how effective is based on the outcome in Birmingham. Although it may have been more effective in other towns that I am not aware of, I understand Birmingham was known around the United States for being extremely racist and the four step plan might not be the most impactful approach. I do believe MLK's plan would be more successful today than it was 50 years ago.