The Edward M. Kennedy Institute on Dorchester’s Columbia Point will host a forum on Mon., Feb. 5, featuring Dr. Carey Wright in conversation with Rehema Ellis of NBC News focused on Mississippi’s journey from last in the nation to a leadership role in education outcomes. Free. The program starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. reception. See emkinstitute.com/special-events to register.

The Dot Jazz Series returns to a monthly rhythm this Saturday, Jan. 20, with a performance by the Fred Woodard Collective at 8 p.m. at Peabody Hall, Parish of All Saints, 209 Ashmont St., Dorchester. Guitarist Fred Woodard Jr., his violinist son Fred Woodard III, bassist Melvin Graham, and drummer Matthew Williams play original compositions and interpretations of soul jazz favorites. They’re celebrating the release of “Indigo,” Fred’s first album with this lineup. Tickets are $12 in advance, $20 at the door. College students $10. Kids under 18 are free. Presented by Mandorla Music and Greater Ashmont Main Street. Other upcoming shows: South African inspired jazz piano by Witness Matlou Trio on Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Wayfaring, adventurous sounds for voice, clarinet, and bass, on Sat., March 16, at 8 p.m.

The Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) hosts an “in-district meeting” of its Housing Justice Campaign on Thurs., Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 401 Ashmont St., Dorchester. State Rep. Brandy Fluker-Oakley will attend. Sen. Nick Collins has been invited. The group calls the event “an opportunity to engage with lawmakers directly” and to “secure public commitments from these lawmakers to address issues surrounding public housing, affordable rental/homeownership, and re-entry from incarceration.

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), has announced the launch of the 2024 Boston Parks Winter Fitness Series, which is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and offers free virtual classes from January 7 through April 6. Certified fitness instructors will offer a range of winter classes, including Afrobeats Dance, Cardio Kickboxing, Chair Yoga, Dance Fit, Strength and Balance, Strength and Conditioning, Yoga, and Zumba. Class descriptions, dates, and times have been posted on the winter fitness website: boston.gov/fitness.

Storyteller Len Cabral will be featured in a free program at the JFK Library on Thurs., Feb. 22, at 10:30 a.m. as part of the Celebrate series. Cabral will share stories of power and joy in honor of Black History month. Call 617-514-1644 for more info or go to jfklibrary.org/celebrate to reserve space. Appropriate for family audiences and children ages 5 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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