Attend MLK events Monday, Tuesday in Bellingham

Several events Monday, Jan. 18, and a Western Washington University event Tuesday will honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. All are free and open to everyone.

▪ 10 a.m. Monday, Village Books hosts annual Martin Luther King Jr. Read-In. Student volunteers from Western Washington University will read books about diversity and community to children who attend. Story time and activities on the Civil Rights Movement and the importance of diversity in a healthy community will take place until 2 p.m. in the readings gallery, ground floor of Village Books, 1200 11th St.

▪ 10 a.m. Monday, MLK Day work party hosted by the city of Bellingham and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association. Join NSEA and the city at Padden Creek near Fairhaven Park, 107 Chuckanut Drive, to improve salmon habitat. There will be raffle prizes and tours of the newly opened Padden Creek daylighting project.

▪ 10 a.m. Monday, RE Sources for Sustainable Communities hosts a beach cleanup at Squalicum Beach Park, northeast of 2929 Roeder Ave.

▪ Noon Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Bellingham City Hall, 210 Lottie St. ​Musical entertainment will be provided by the Kulshan Chorus. The Black National Anthem will be performed by Annika Wolters. City Council member Roxanne Murphy will be the emcee. Speakers are Mayor Kelli Linville, Jamie K. Donaldson, and Cedric Johnson. This year's theme is “Women & Civil Rights.” The event will be televised live on BTV10 and also streamed at cob.org.

▪ 6 p.m. Monday, Community Food Co-op hosts its 18th annual Martin Luther King Jr., Poetry Reading and Open Mic at the Co-op Connections building classroom, 405 E. Holly St. The reading and open mic will be emceed by Kevin Murphy. Everyone is invited to share a poem or song focusing on diversity, human rights or related issues. (Please limit presentations to five minutes.) Information: 360-734-8158.

▪ Monday: Free day at Washington State Parks, no Discover Pass required.

▪ 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Western Washington University hosts the Rev. Marshall Hatch, a Chicago civil rights leader, in a special event at the reading room in Wilson Library. Hatch, who has led numerous community outreach programs, will be joined by Terry John “TJ” Robinson II, a 10th grader at Lynden High School who has won speaking and essay awards related to King and Rosa Parks. They will be followed at 6 p.m. by New York City poet and performer Crystal Valentine. A visual snapshot of civil rights over the years in Bellingham and at Western also will be presented. Snacks and refreshments will be available. In addition, a reception will be held at noon Tuesday for a free art show on walls outside the B Gallery on Western’s campus that also is part of the celebration of King’s legacy. The show continues through Friday, Jan. 22.

This story was originally published January 18, 2016 at 2:38 AM with the headline "Attend MLK events Monday, Tuesday in Bellingham."