January 26, 2026
Host Author, Educator and Human Rights Activist Nontombi Naomi Tutu
Thursday, Jan. 29, 6 p.m., in DPAC
Framingham State University will host Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, Daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, for its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Lecture on Thursday, Jan. 29th at 6 p.m.
The human rights activist’s professional experience ranges from being an economist and development consultant in West Africa to being a coordinator for programs on Race and Gender and Gender-based Violence in Education at the African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town. In addition, the Rev. Tutu has taught at the University of Hartford, the University of Connecticut and Brevard College in North Carolina.
Rev. Tutu is the daughter of Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu, the former Archbishop of Cape Town South Africa, known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. She started her 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.
Her lecture will be held in Framingham State’s Dwight Hall Performing Arts Center and is free and open to the community. Register here.
Challenger 40th Anniversary Remembrance
Wednesday, Jan. 28 marks the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster that took the lives of the crew, which included 7 astronauts, including beloved FSU alumna Christa Corrigan McAuliffe '70, the First Teacher in Space.
The McAuliffe Center is hosting a school group for a space mission simulation in our Challenger Learning Center that will emphasize the memory/legacy of the Challenger astronauts. A remembrance event for the broader community will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31st at 5:30 p.m. in the McAuliffe Center. It will include musical performances by Octave of Light, led by local composer David Ebbitt. Tickets are required.
There is also a special series of events throughout the semester. Full details can be found here.
Monk’s Temple Records Presents Sacred Grooves: Afrobeat, Hip-Hop, and Neosoul
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 7 – 9pm, in the McCarthy Center Forum
Enjoy live music Fanta Vibez (Afrobeat, Neosoul R&B), Gasoline Monk (Psychedelic Hip-Hop, Experimental R&B), and Reggie Hue (Melodic Rap, Alternative Soul).
Study English with us this Spring!
Spring Semester registration ends on Saturday, January 31!
- Beginning through high advanced courses.
- Daytime (intensive), evening, and Saturday classes.
We welcome students of all languages and backgrounds.