MLK day a chance to honor his great works As we honor the life and times of Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of a peaceful man but one who had the tenacity to lead the battle for human rights for all people. At 35 years old, he was the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize while never shrinking from his real goal - equality for all. Martin Luther King Jr. was a powerful figure in speech and demeanor, a true leader in a country that seemed to have lost its way. From 1957 until his death, Martin led peaceful protest marches in extraordinary circumstances. He planned voter registration drives, he met with presidents and the common man and treated all with equal respect. He was arrested more than 20 times, his home was bombed, and he was attacked both physically and verbally. He received five honorary degrees and was named Time Magazine's 1963 Man of the Year. Martin became a world renowned leader. His commitment stemmed from his strong family background and his even stronger belief in Christianity. But, having said that, he adopted the manner and methods of Gandhi. Peaceful demonstrations and protest marches began to spring up around the country. His booming voice and melodic prose inspired, gave courage and a voice to a generation of people. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968, while preparing to lead a protest march in support of striking garbage workers in Memphis, Tenn. He was 39 years old, but his dream did not die with his death; rather, it inspired others to put on the mantle of civil rights leader and follow in his footsteps. His dream lives on. It is up to us to honor the man and his response to violence and injustice with peace and justice for all. Councilwoman Antonia Ricigliano Edison