Next week: Belk Foundation on a project to have all children reading well by the end of third grade.

Karen Gipson announced that the 21st annual MLK Holiday Prayer Breakfast is Monday, Jan. 19 at 8 a.m. at the Convention Center. Speaker is Ben Jealous, former CEO and president of the NAACP. Tickets for $45 are available at YMCAs. Online purchases require registration with the Y.

Levester Flowers announced that officers of Mecklenburg Senior Democrats will be sworn in at a meeting Friday, Jan. 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the party offices, 5700 Executive Center Drive. Bobbie Parks will be president.

Nelson Adesegha announced that C.W. Williams Community Health Center has returned to its 5-day-per-week office hours.

Carlos Gladden announced that Positive Youth Transformation Foundation is offering bus passes to those who volunteer to raise money for the Panzy Willis Project and PYT Foundation. Details 704-777-3294 or by e-mail. Card here.

Mary Klenz announced a forum Saturday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. at the YWCA, 3420 Park Rd. on state underfunding of public education. Continental breakfast included. Details here.

Blanche Penn announced that the annual public display of inventions by African-Americans would be held Feb. 19-20. More info anon.

Jackie Edwards Walton announced a Growing the Dream Charlotte 2015 Awards luncheon will be held Saturday, Jan. 17 from 12:30-2 p.m. in Grimes Lounge at Johnson C. Smith University. Flier here. RSVP by e-mail or 980-344-7239.

Joyce Waddell invited all to her N.C. Senate District 40 swearing-in ceremony on Friday, Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the first floor atrium of the Government Center, 600 E 4th St. Parking is available in the Mecklenburg County parking deck. RSVP by e-mail.

Darrell Gregory sent in an invitation to the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Mayor’s Mentoring Alliance Awards Ceremony, to be held Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at Booth Playhouse at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Register here. Flier here.

Robert Dawkins sent in a link to his Agitator Radio conversation with Dolly and Tony Griggs, who believe Harnett County law enforcement is not bringing their son’s killer to justice.

Jenifer Daniels sent in an announcement that Henry Rock’s City Startup Labs has received a cash infusion from the Small Business Administration Growth Accelerator Fund. Cutoff date for applying for the Lab’s next boot camp for would-be entrepreneurs is Jan. 19. More info here.

Dena Diorio sent in a copy of her Jan. 5 Board Bulletin.