Friday marked the 57th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech, and an event commemorating the day was hosted in Co-op City.

The day became a turning point in the civil rights movement. Many descended on the nation’s capital again this year for a march, while Black Lives Matter: C.R.E.A.T.E. marked the day in the Bronx. 

"You are just as valuable here in your community as you would be if you went down to march in D.C.,” said co-founder Brianna Graham. 

They created and hosted the celebration to teach people about the importance of the day and give them a chance to come together during a tumultuous time. 

"People can kind of connect the dots of what happened in Black history on this day and how we can make a change today,” said Graham. 

The event featured speakers and performances to express emotion and organizers urged the community to address their feelings.

They say the date has many layers of significance including the approval of the UK’s Slavery Abolition Act in 1833 and encouraged people to create change. 

Organizers also asked people who attended to commit to taking action to address their feelings and to make changes.