Hundreds march in Downtown Fresno in memory of Martin Luther King Jr.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Hundreds of people marched through the streets of downtown Fresno to remember Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday.

King, a Baptist minister and renowned public speaker, was one of the most famous American civil rights leaders of the 1960s. He also led many marches at the time, something activists today say they want to continue.

"His dream was extremely pivotal in the '60's. However, the beauty about it is that after he finished dreaming, the vision we inherited. And now we're able to see all of the pain and the labor that he put in the '60s, we're able to walk in the beauty of the promised land today," said DJ Criner, a pastor at Sant Rest Baptist Church, as he participated in Monday's march.

Criner was among hundreds calling for unity as the crowd marched in King's memory, and many say it is more important now than ever.

"Especially right now, in the time that we are in, MLK stood for justice and equality. And I think it's so important, because us as people, we have to stand together," said demonstrator Taylor Kimber.

Demonstrators said America today is divided, and even as some showed up to advocate for different political causes, others say they hope, at least for today, Americans can put their differences aside.

"It means a lot to me to come out here and just see us unite as people," said demonstrator Scarlette Vang.