How To See Framingham's Black History Month Exhibit

News release from City of Framingham.

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The City of Framingham’s 325th Anniversary Committee is proud to host a Black History Month Honors event recognizing 17 remarkable individuals whose contributions have shaped the city’s history and continue to inspire future generations.

The 325th event, coinciding with Black History Month, honors both historical and contemporary figures who have significant connections to Framingham. This celebration recognizes scientists, politicians, educators, athletes, activists, and trailblazers who have made remarkable achievements and broken barriers in their respective fields.

Mayor Charlie Sisitsky emphasized the significance of this event, stating: “Framingham is a city built on resilience, diversity, and community. Their achievements continue to inspire and guide us toward a more inclusive and equitable future.”

The selection committee carefully considered over 25 nominees, ultimately selecting 17 honorees.

“It was a very difficult decision—every nominee was truly deserving of recognition. I was amazed at the rich history of Framingham that I had never known before,” said Eric Reynolds, a member of the selection committee.

Event Details:

Date: February 18, 2025

Location: Nevins Hall, Memorial Building, Framingham

Time: 6:30 p.m.

In honor of the occasion, a display featuring posters and biographies of Black history makers will be showcased in Nevins Hall through the end of February.

More detailed biographies will be posted on the City of Framingham’s website, under the 325th Anniversary page. (www.framinghamma.gov)

“As we reflect on Framingham’s rich history, it is essential to uplift and honor the Black leaders—both historical and contemporary—who have made a lasting impact on our community,” said Jesse Edwards, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the City of Framingham. “This event is an opportunity to recognize their invaluable contributions and ensure that their legacies are preserved for future generations. Celebrating Black history isn’t about exclusion; it’s about inclusion.”

This opening night event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. Join us as we celebrate these extraordinary individuals and their enduring influence on Framingham’s past, present, and future.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Jesse Edwards at jedwards@framinghamma.gov or Susan Petroni at spetroni@framinghamma.gov

The exhibit will be in Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building from February 18-28. The public may view the exhibit any days and hours the Memorial Building is open to the public.

“The goal of the 325th Celebration Committee exhibit is to introduce these men and women who made history in the City of Framingham to the community,” said 325th Committee co-chair Susan Scully Petroni. “We warmly invite families, senior citizens, and new residents of the community to visit the exhibit and explore the remarkable contributions of Black individuals, both women and men. While some figures, such as Crispus Attucks and Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller, are well-known in Framingham, others, like Royal Bolling Sr. and Esther A.H. Hopkins, may not be as widely recognized yet are equally significant.”