ory Booker walked onto the fifth floor of an apartment building in the projects to assist a woman with legal issues. The recent graduate of Yale law school presented himself to Miss Virginia Jones ready to help, but little did he know that she would teach him one of the most valuable lessons: Just do something.’

The advice given to Cory Booker by the woman inspired him to take action. In a powerless role of councilman for Newark, Booker held a 10-day hunger strike in a drug zone to try to grow awareness peacefully about the unsafe living conditions of this neighborhood.

At the end of 10 days, Booker was accompanied by priests, rabbis, local law enforcement, the neighboring mayor and his police force, NYU students and residents praying and fasting for change. On the tenth day the fast ended and police protection was issued to keep the area safe; according to Booker, this single event led him to become a leader for change.

Speaking at the Open VISIONS Forum Wednesday night Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, NJ, captured the audience with his lively jokes and the reiteration of his belief that ‘ordinary people can do extraordinary things.’

He stated that America grounded on principles and values finally needs to be made real on what the nation claims to be: ‘One nation under God.’

Booker said he is always inspired in the face of those who never shrank from their core values in times of hardship.’ Growing up with strong values he chose to become mayor over the most challenging city.’ And where the untrained eye could only see the challenges and problems of this city he said he saw opportunity.

Boy, understand, what you see outside of you is a reflection of what you can achieve,’ said Booker of his revered mentor Jones.

Instead of seeing the projects and the rundown buildings, Booker said Jones made him realize that without seeing the potential of the city he was no help to her.

He witnessed the women of the fifth floor projects do all they could to help the children of the neighborhood or drug addicts, making Booker understand Jones’s message.

My city is full of heroes,’ said Booker.’

I stand in Newark with common people with a common struggle,’ remarked Booker. As mayor, Booker has led the nation in the largest reductions in gun shooting and murders by more than 40 percent since last year.

He still chooses to reside in what many would consider the worst area of Newark, the heart of the ghetto, to prove his mission of making all of Newark safe.

I don’t believe anything I do measures up to what the people of the city accomplish.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ Humbled in his accomplishments to help revive Newark, he credits the residents for all their sacrifice to help improve the lives around them.

Booker began his career in politics in 1998 as councilman for Newark until 2002.’ He has been recognized in publications such as the New York Times, Black Enterprise, Time, and Esquire. Booker has been named as one of ‘America’s Most Powerful Players under 40′. An advocate for education, Booker is also a member of Democrats for Education Reform, Columbia University Teacher’s College Board of Trustees and the Black Alliance for Educational Options.

Booker said he declined an offer of becoming a cabinet member for President Obama. Booker explained ‘I think I can serve the mission of Obama best by the testimony of this city,’ he said.’ The audience applauded loudly for Booker during his speech on change and diversity.’

Kaitlyn Wilkey, Class of 2009, said, ‘I have read some of his speeches and it was amazing especially what he chose to talk about. It was great.”

Sarah Brennan also shared similar feelings, ‘It was very empowering the message he portrayed tonight. I want to be able to see opportunities.’