BELLINGHAM — About 150 people turned out to walk through downtown in a “poverty action march” on Martin Luther King Day.

The 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21, march around the Bellingham High School area was meant to raise awareness and support of those in poverty. Prior to the event, people were asked to bring baby food, canned goods and toiletries to help others. After the march many participants were headed out to join various service projects around the city.

In other events in honor of the holiday, Village Books is hosting a read-in where parents can bring kids ages 3 to 8 to join Western Washington University students for activities and stories about social justice. The read-in will run from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the readings gallery at Village Books, 1200 11th St. in Bellingham.

And Monday evening starting at 6 the downtown Community Food Co-op will host its 15th annual MLK Day open Mic and Poetry Reading. People are welcome to share a song, poem or reading reflecting on diversity or human rights.

Other events that marked the Monday holiday in Whatcom County were the city of Bellingham’s annual event of speakers and music at City Hall and multiple cleanups including one at Maritime Heritage Park.