NORWICH — Despite the light sprinkle of snow and bitter temperature, roughly 60 educators, politicians, clerics and students gathered in the David Ruggles Freedom Courtyard for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Program march on Monday.

"This is weather that will test your committment," NAACP Norwich branch President Dianne Daniels said, emphasizing the importance of continuing King's legacy. "It may be cold out here, but we can't let that embed into people's hearts."

This year's program theme was "Different American Realities — Shared American Dreams," and Monday's events were a continuation from a Friday luncheon that honored local students and volunteers.

On Monday, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney were in attendance as well as state legislators and members of the City Council. Before the sizable group of attendees launched into their march, Daniels, the Rev. Gregory Perry, Blumenthal, Courtney and an NFA student spoke in the courtyard.

"I will tell you honestly, our democracy is being tested. And your being here today is more important than ever," Blumenthal said.

Student Luckensley Paul, 16, of Norwich, handed the senator and the congressman a shirt emblazoned with King's face and his famous words: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." It was the same shirt Paul and many in the crowd were wearing. The two federal politicians stood beside the 16-year-old, holding up the facade of the shirt as he spoke of the impact King's words had on him.

"He was a voice for black people who were mute. He was ears to those who were deaf," he said. "Years later, even though black people are free, they are trapped. They are stuck in a house they can't call a home."

After Paul spoke, the group began walking down Bath Street until it connected to Franklin Street. Police vehicles escorted the group while some sang spirituals and chanted, while others took the time to chat with one another.

Fifteen minutes later, marchers gathered inside the Evans Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church on McKinnely Avenue, where clerics led a community celebration in dedication of civil rights leader King. The ceremony began with a spiritual.

"Can't turn around," the crowd sang. "We've come this far by faith."

"Some folks remember when a peaceful march wouldn't happen like it just did," the Rev. Gregory Perry said. "There would be dogs turned on people, hoses turned on people."

Sikh community leader Swaranjit Singh Khalsa was later invited to speak before the crowd, noting that King's words are ones that continue to resonate in the Sikh community. King made it clear within his short lifespan that peaceful protest could be successful, he said, and his actions aligned with the Sikh belief that all of humanity is one.

"But we acknowledge that more needs to be done," he said. "We still need to plant the seeds of love among people to get rid of hate."

Members of the church then collected a "Justice and Pecae Offering," inviting attendees to donate to the Norwich branch of the NAACP. The donations amounted to $530.

The Rev. John Gentry concluded the service with a "celebratory reflection," on the life and work of King. Gentry challenged the youth in the audience to pursue a dream and a higher education. When Gentry thanked the youth in attendance on Monday, the crowd gave them a standing ovation.

"The younger generation needs to be more active. It makes us feel stronger knowing that you are behind us," he said.