The city of Stamford is holding its Martin Luther King Day celebration, continuing a tradition going on for more than 40 years.

Local and state politicians joined the crowd at Bethel AME Church for the event, which started with speakers and was followed by a march through city streets.

Speakers focused on comparisons between King's legacy and the current national political moment. Organizers said the turnout shows the message is still alive and needed.

"So many members of the community need that hope and that hope beacon that Martin Luther King stood for, just for their day-to-day lives. Martin Luther King stood for justice, he stood for hope, he stood for basically civil rights and civil justice, and people need that today," said Tiffany Polite, president of the Stamford MLK Planning Committee.

The march ended at the Boys and Girls Club Yerwood Center for music,a panel discussion and scholarship presentation.