New London — People participated in the first Black History Month Walk on Saturday along Colman Street, also named Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between Jefferson Avenue and Bank Street.

During the event, the group stopped at the empty lot at the corner of Walden Avenue to listen to a few speakers before continuing their walk.

It is expected to become an annual event. The honoree for this year's walk was Bennie Dover Jackson. In 1951, she was the first Black teacher hired in New London Public Schools, and the city's middle school is named in her honor.

The Black History Month events continue Sunday in the city, with an event declaring Feb. 28 the Ichabod Pease Day.