'We have to continue his legacy': Hundreds march in downtown Phoenix on MLK Day

Hundreds of people from across the Valley marched in the rain in downtown Phoenix — a 2-mile journey from Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church to Margaret T. Hance Park —

in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The march, organized by the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee, began at 9 a.m. at the

corner of 15th and East Jefferson streets. Every third Monday of January, the U.S. celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring the life

and legacy of Dr. King, as well as his work as a civil rights era leader. Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Several organizers, business owners and community members filled the street, prepared for the winter weather with their umbrellas, walking shoes and hoodies.

Della Mathieu, a Tempe resident, said she came out to the march because of the work Dr. King did for the African American community. "I'm

supporting the cause. Rain or shine, I have to be here," Mathieu said. "We have to continue his legacy for the people coming behind us." During the march, which

made its way through downtown along Washington and Fifth streets, crowds played music, shared stories and held up homemade signs in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., all while

trying to guard themselves from the cold rain with their hats and warm layers.