BALTIMORE (WJZ)– In honor of Black History Month, the YMCA of Central Maryland is marking the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Andrea Fujii has more on the annual tribute to the civil rights leader.

“His power is everlasting.”

All generations are celebrating what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 83rd birthday.

“He’s a black leader who fought for everybody’s rights,” said eighth-grader David Mincey.

Organizers say Dr. King had a special connection with the YMCA and his message of equality still rings true.

“It’s only natural that an organization like the Y would recognize Dr. King and keep his memory alive,” John Hoey, president of the Y of Central Maryland, said.

YMCAs throughout the South are some of the few places that would allow King to hold meetings and spend the night.

Political strategist Dr. Donna Brazille spoke about how his non-partisan ideals are especially important today.

“Civility is understanding that you can learn how to disagree without being disagreeable,” she said.

The Y of Central Maryland hopes King’s message is passed on to each of the 150,000 people who they serve every year.

“We all are one family and we all should stick together,” Carly Greer, a sixth-grader, said.

This is the 37th year the YMCA has paid a special tribute to Dr. King.