This was because during 18 years as a reporter for The Associated Press, I had been there early in King's courageous crusade that eventually led to his untimely death.

CNN: Reporter recalls 'eerie' but calm night with King's widow, children

It is the courageous nonviolence embodied by Martin Luther King in the face of batons, water canons, dogs, and bullets.

FORBES: How Would Martin Luther King Respond to "The English Riots"?

And what about the many courageous civil rights leaders who seemingly came out of nowhere: People like Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks.

FORBES: Do You Need to Be a Pentathlete Leader? Wouldn't Hurt