Marching for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Had he survived, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have celebrated his 83rd birthday Tuesday. In New Haven, hundreds came out for a march to honor the work of the civil rights leader.

They left the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with a purpose.

"We are marching, we are marching..."

The 43rd annual edition of the Martin Luther King Love March brought hundreds out to the streets of New Haven.

From contemporaries of Dr. King, to the youngest of foot soldiers, everyone knew why it was so important to march.

"Because, it's Martin Luther King's birthday."

Pastor Gerald Hampton's father, who founded the march more than four decades ago says, Dr. King's message of equality and non-violence is as relevant now as ever.                   

"We march today for some of the senseless killings that are going on, some of the bias that's still occurring in society," said Pastor Hampton, "so we're still marching to keep his dream alive and what we can do to achieve that goal."

Many in the crowd, like Jeffrey Glenn, will never forget the impact Dr. King had on their lives during the height of the civil rights movement.

"What brings me out today is knowing that I'm able to walk in freedom and knowing I'm able to walk in liberty," said Glenn.

The hope is that the march, with its focus on love, will send a strong message throughout the community.

"We're trying to pass down to generations to come how to stand for equality and equal rights," said Pastor Hampton, "and hopefully they'll catch on and learn."