Framingham State has picked a sitting US congresswoman as its commencement speaker

FRAMINGHAM — U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, the first Black woman elected to Congress in Massachusetts, has been selected to deliver the keynote address for Framingham State University's undergraduate commencement ceremony in May.

The university announced the news Thursday morning in a press release.

Pressley, 49, a Democrat and former Boston city councilor, has represented the Massachusetts’ 7th Congressional District since 2019 when she defeated 10-term Democratic incumbent Michael Capuano in a September 2018 primary race. No Republican awaited her in the general election that year.

“Congresswoman Pressley is an inspirational leader who has dedicated her life to public service, advocating for bold, progressive change and empowering the next generation to lead with courage and conviction,” said FSU President Nancy Niemi, in a statement. “She champions causes in support of those who have been marginalized by our society, including immigrants, survivors of sexual violence, seniors and the disabled. We are honored and thrilled to have her join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2023.”

When and where is Framingham State's graduation in 2023?

Framingham State's 2023 undergraduate commencement ceremony takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 21, at the DCU Center in Worcester. The university will confer upon Pressley an honorary doctor of public service degree.

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Who is Ayanna Pressley?

Pressley was born in Cincinnati but raised in Chicago as the only child of an activist mother who instilled in her the value of civic participation. Pressley has made history twice in Massachusetts as the first woman of color elected to the Boston City Council (2009) and to Congress (2018).

She currently serves on the House Committee on Financial Services.Besides her work in Congress, Pressley has also turned her experience living with alopecia — a condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body — into action. She has become a leading voice fighting to raise awareness and support for the alopecia community.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: US Rep. Ayanna Pressley will give Framingham State's commencement