FLORENCE -- Nearly 300 people marched through downtown Florence for the annual Martin Luther King celebration.

They were very spirited, clapping and singing to inspirational music.

Florence City Councilman Ed Robinson has organized the march for 14 years.

"Dr. King, you know he's an icon in American history, a black icon, one who pretty much has been chosen by God to be here. And today his birthday is something that we can't forget," said Robinson.

They marched for nearly two miles.

Kids held banners and pictures of King.

The marchers caught the attention of construction workers and just about everyone in their path.

"They're realizing MLK holiday is a real holiday now, but we still need more participation," said participant Queen McCall.

A group of students from Francis Marion University decided to join the march this year.

They say when they think of all that Dr. King accomplished they felt compelled to march.

"I think it's a pretty good move. And being that I'm a college student, it's a very motivating thing for us to do," explained Jasmyne Brown-Bellinger.

"If he had given up look at what he would have given up on," Audriana Smith said. "Education, us getting career opportunities."

The marchers kneeled in prayer when they reached their destination at the MLK bridge in Florence.

The bridge was named in his honor nearly 13 years ago.

Robinson says he could feel the spirit of the King and the civil rights movement when they made it to the bridge.

"It is of the upmost important that we keep his dream alive. These kids need to know what we had to go through."

Former 7th Congressional candidate Gloria Tinubu wrapped up the march with a message about King's legacy.

Councilman Ed Robinson says her words were inspiring and a perfect end to the celebration.