Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

Both King and Bogalusa Civil Rights leader Robert “Bob” Hicks shared that mentality.

It just seems fitting that the former family home of Robert Hicks was officially placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The home at 924 E. Robert “Bob” Hicks St. was added to the Registry on Jan. 20. Friday’s press conference to officially announce the addition was attended by state, parish and city officials.

The Hicks family spoke about all the trials and tribulations they went through during the turbulent Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The fact they are able to still smile despite remembering all the hatred directed their way back then says much about their character.

Robert Hicks’ widow, Valeira, didn’t speak much at the press conference. However, the little bit she said at the press conference resounded loud and clear.

“Love is the greatest thing that you can have,” she said. “Love is more powerful than hate. You all have my love.”

Amen.

The Daily News congratulates the Hicks Family on the historical designation. It is indeed a shrine to the Civil Rights Movement, both its struggles and its victories.

While there is still much work to be done on this front in Washington Parish, the house stands as a testament to how far we’ve come in the last 50 years.