The City of Bellingham will host its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at noon on Monday, January 15, 2018, at Mount Baker Theatre featuring the inspiring Kulshan Chorus led by Director Dustin Willetts. Local Author and Civil Rights Activist Clyde Ford will emcee the event that he helped start over 25 years ago.
“We are excited to move this beloved community event to the Mount Baker Theatre, which will allow hundreds more people to attend the celebration,” said Ford. “We are hoping to fill the house.”
The event will open with a special welcome from Mayor Kelli Linville followed by a blessing from Lummi Nation Member Darrell Hillaire. Speakers will be WWU Prof. Trula Nicholas and County Councilmember Satpal Sidhu. Meghan Yates & the Reverie Machine will be special musical guests.
“Dr. King's life speaks to us today and gives us strength to take on the powers of domination,” said City Councilmember Terry Bornemann, who has helped organize the event annually for two decades. “This year's theme, Together Against Hate, is an affirmation of radical hospitality and inclusion as we stand against forces that perpetuate injustice.”
There will be a photo exhibit curated by Whatcom Community College student Sarah Kate Kunkel displaying poignant photos taken by refugees in Eastern Europe and Greece that offer a glimpse of life in exodus from the perspective of those enduring it. The photos depict deprivations, but also resilience. They offer a way for our worlds to connect.
The event is co-sponsored by the Community Food Co-Op, the Ralph Munro Institute for Civic Education, and the Northwest Washington Central Labor Council. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation for the Bellingham Food Bank. The event will be aired on BTV at a later date.
