26th Annual MLK Jr. Day Event

Community Food Co-op Hosts 26th Annual MLK Jr. Day Event

Bellingham, Wash. | In honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Community Food Co-op will host its 26th annual MLK Jr. Day Event. Join us to 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.

This year’s format will be focused on celebrating Dr. King through songs of freedom, harmony, and justice, led by special musical guest and choir conductor Checo Tohomaso. Having toured with Motown legend Marvin Gaye, Checo is spirited, authentic, and true to the music. We invite the community to come and 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.

SPECIAL MUSICAL GUEST AND EMCEE:

Checo Tohomaso played keyboards, percussion and provided backup vocals on Motown legend Marvin Gaye’s last European tour. He also has performed with Lionel Richie and The Commodores, Celine Dion, New Kids On The Block, and Reba McEntire, among others. Presently, Checo serves as the director of two British Columbia-based choirs — VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Choir in Vancouver and Victoria Sweet Soul Choir in Victoria. He focuses on communicating the positive, healing qualities of soul music to as many people as possible. Checo will be our musical guest throughout the evening — a performance not to be missed!

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS:

Bellingham City Councilman, Skip Williams, will share a song as part of the evening’s musical performance. He also will share a short presentation on how Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community” relates to Bellingham. 

DeVante Blow is a local community leader and national speaker who shows up with heart, hustle, and the kind of faith that changes lives. “My goal is simple: ignite purpose, shift mindsets, and move people to action,” says DeVante. “I bring real stories, real strategy, and real heart.”

A recent graduate of Yale Divinity School, Sunny Joy McMillan is the current minister at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship. Sunny will share a few words that speak to Dr. King’s vison of a Beloved Community where everyone's needs are met, racism and prejudice are eliminated, and people live in harmony and mutual respect.

Community Food Co-op is grateful to Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, who has made this event possible by sharing their space. A freewill offering will be accepted to support Humanitas Ministry — their organization whose primary mission is to provide emergency financial assistance to people in need.