FRAMINGHAM – 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.

“We are deeply honored to welcome Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu to Framingham State University for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture,” says Dr. Jeffrey Coleman, Framingham State’s Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement. “Her life’s work, which is rooted in justice, reconciliation, and the power of courageous dialogue, resonates profoundly with our students, faculty, and the broader MetroWest community. At a time when so many are seeking ways to build understanding across differences, her insights offer both inspiration and practical guidance. We look forward to the meaningful conversations her visit will spark on our campus and the renewed commitment to equity and human dignity it will help us all carry forward.”

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.