The last time the community gathered for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. march in Columbus was back in 2020.

The annual downtown celebration was canceled last year because of COVID-19.

But Monday, the event returns, starting out at the steps of city hall.

Organizers say with the climate of the nation - it's important to remember his message.

"We are in the middle of a global pandemic, there was social unrest and just a lot of disparities that have been brought to light because of the pandemic. And so, these are all of the things that Dr. King stood for and that he marched for and that he fought for. And we think now more than ever we should continue to honor that legacy," said Carla Williams-Scott, the director of Columbus' Department of Neighborhoods.

She says they know there's still a high number of COVID cases, but she says everyone will be asked to follow COVID safety protocols.

"We thought long and hard, we do realize where we are with covid. But we will be outside. We will keep people socially distanced. And we will ask all of our participants to please wear their masks or face coverings," she said.

And there are other events and ways you can remember the passion of Dr. King.

The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Junior birthday breakfast will once again be virtual.

The online event starts at 9 a.m. This year's keynote speaker is Ohio State president Dr. Kristina Johnson.

The Ohio History Connection will be open for activities and programs.

Williams-Scott says events have pivoted so that Dr. King's legacy can continue to be honored.

"And we think now more than ever we should continue to honor that legacy as we’re trying to work through some of the challenges that we are seeing now," she said.