Western Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr Day
The Community Consortium for Cultural Recognition is proud to host the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 10 a.m. as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This year’s MLK Day of Service is themed Mission Possible: Moving, Building, Uniting. This free, all-ages event provides multiple age-appropriate spaces for our community to reflect on Dr. King’s teachings through volunteerism, advocacy, and uplifting marginalized voices. Together we will engage with pressing local issues, explore practical solutions, and work toward systemic change and community wellbeing.
Join Us Monday, January 19, 2026
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Service Projects at noon.
Sehome High School.
Free. All are welcome.
*All are encouraged to bring unopened, non-perishable food and hygiene items to the event. All donations will support the food pantries at Western Washington University, Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College, and Northwest Indian College.
| Time | Program item |
|---|---|
| 10 a.m. | Free community breakfast |
| 11 a.m. | MLK Day Program: Speakers, workshops, and hands-on activities |
| 12-2 p.m. | Community Services Projects |
Complimentary childcare for attendees
Whatcom YMCA is generously offering free Child-watch (childcare) for attendees of the MLK Day event from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Childcare is provided to children ages 4 to 9. Children are welcome to participate in all MLK Day activities including the breakfast, opening, and service portions of the day. While larger conversations and workshops occur, kids will be supervised by Y staff and engaging in age appropriate activities, games, and arts/crafts. Whatcom Y staff will join in the service portion to help kids complete projects as well with families. Childcare registration is required.
Accessibility
Sehome High School is wheelchair accessible. ASL translation is available upon request. Please contact Chris.Roselli@wwu.edu no later than three days prior to the event to request specific accommodations.
Join in other Community MLK Day events
Community Food Co-op’s 26th Annual MLK Jr. Day Event
Monday, January 19 at 7 p.m.
Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship
1207 Ellsworth St., Bellingham
Free to attend. Everyone welcome.
Community Food Co-op will host its 26th annual MLK Jr. Day Event. Celebrate Dr. King’s notion of a “Beloved Community,” envisioned as a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of one's fellow human beings. Join this this year’s format which focuses on celebrating Dr. King through songs of freedom, harmony, and justice, led by special musical guest and choir conductor Checo Tohomaso. The community is invited to rehearse with Checo one hour before the event. Songs will include: “Everyday People,” “Steal Away,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “Lean on Me,” “This Little Light of Mine,” “People Get Ready,” “Caravan of Love,” and “Fly Like an Eagle.” The evening will also feature guest speakers Skip Williams, DeVante Blow, and Sunny Joy McMillan to honor Dr. King’s vision.
