(RALEIGH) -- Thousands are expected to participate in an event at the state capital as part of the HK on J March. At least 10,000 people are expected to voice support for various issues impacting North Carolina during the march on Saturday February 11.

Melvin Montford, executive director of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, said the stakes are high this year in the Tar Heel state for issue like education, voting and civil rights.

"It's a responsibility and we're just hoping that all the citizens of North Carolina take that responsibility seriously," said Montford.

The marchers hope to highlight the lack of job creation in this tough economy. Still other issues are potential Medicare cuts and high heating and fuel costs.

"All of these things are bearing down on people in a bad economy," said Doug Dickerson, AARP North Carolina Policy Director. "These are just symptoms of the lack of jobs. This comes back to, we've got to grow employment."

This year's HK on J March in downtown Raleigh marks the 6th year of the annual event. HK on J stands for, Historic Thousands on Jones. Jones Street is where the state legislative building is located.

The organizers say they have a 14 point plan that includes equality in education, environmental justice, immigrant rights, and affordable housing, just to name a few.