BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – This weekend, Whatcom County residents are invited to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Western Washington University (WWU) Community Consortium for Cultural Recognition is sponsoring a service at Bellingham High School on Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

There will be a community breakfast for the first hour, followed by an MLK Day program. The program will include a live performance by a WWU student followed by a panel conversation and Q & A.

The featured speakers will include 2024 Washington State Principal of the Year Dr. William Jackson, Executive Director of the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission Miriam Karamoko, opera singer Ibidunni Ojikutu and other local figures from around Whatcom County.

Participants are also encouraged to bring unopened, non-perishable food and hygiene items which will support the food pantries at WWU, Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College and Northwest Indian College.

After the program at Bellingham High School attendees are invited to join the community work party at Squalicum Creek hosted by the City of Bellingham.

Those unable to attend the MLK Day program on Jan. 18 are invited to join in a celebration at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship. The event will take place at 7:00 p.m. and feature live music and keynote speaker presentations, including an installment of Current Affairs with Dr. Clyde W. Ford.