We can debate all day long about what constitutes a tough guy, or what characteristics a tough guy (or tough woman if you like) displays.  Today however, I would like to take a little time to recognize one of the toughest guys that ever lived – Dr. Martin Luther King. 

I know a lot of my students don’t remember, or weren’t even alive when the Reverend King was around, but let me tell you a little of what I remember.  I remember watching Dr. King on the news, and seeing him face the adversity of attack dogs, fire hoses, and blows to the head….and this was from the police!  He also faced the death threats and violence of several organizations that opposed his teachings, and what his life stood for.  He never stopped, no matter what faced him.  He was in the lead position taking his people through a time of violence, murder and discrimination.  He was a man respected by presidents, but who at times could not eat in the same place as the average citizen because of the color of his skin.
 
Today, we think of those entering the arena of competition as tough guys, but what about Dr. King who marched through a world where death faced him every day, and finally caught up with him.   He is an example to everyone – a man of peace and gentleness, an honest man of integrity, but a man who despite any fear, displayed courage.
 Let us remember today, that no matter how many titles one receives, or how many victories in competition one achieves – only “tough guys” like Dr. Martin Luther King change the world.