Human rights activist Nontombi Naomi Tutu will give a special public lecture at Framingham State University on October 29th entitled “Black Truths Matter: Lessons from South Africa’s TRC for the U.S. Today.” Tutu is the third child of anti-apartheid leader Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nomalizo Leah Tutu.

Using South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as a starting place and model, race and gender justice activist Naomi Tutu argues that it takes courage to speak and hear the truth. It is especially difficult to hear truths that challenge our image of ourselves as a community, and as a nation. However, it is only in taking this first hard step, that healing becomes possible.

Tutu started public speaking as a college student at Berea College in Kentucky in the 1970s when she was invited to speak at churches, community groups, and colleges and universities about her experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa. Since that time she has become a much sought-after speaker to groups as varied as business associations, professional conferences, elected officials, and church and civic organizations. Tutu has taught at the University of Hartford, University of Connecticut, and Brevard College in North Carolina. She is a candidate for ordination in the Episcopal diocese of Tennessee.

Tutu’s lecture is part of the University’s Arts & Ideas Program. It will be held in the Dwight Hall Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 29th, at 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public.