Undergraduate Affairs Issue (National Founders' Day)

Chapter, the Zeta Chi of Kappa Alpha Psi ® bringing greetings. This was followed by the response by Grand Board Member Linnes Finney, Jr., Esq., and the Occasion by Chauncy E. Haynes, the Grand Chapter Nominating Committee Chair- man. The melodious sounds of the Kappa Chorus soon fol- lowed. Then, it happened. The Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts III (Pi 1968) delivered one of the most powerful, interconnected words ever heard during National Founders' Day. (See Brother Tildon's article on page 52). Rev. Dr. Butts is Pastor of the in- ternationally renowned Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New York, and President of the State University of New York College at Old Westbury. His sincere commitment to enhanc- ing the Kingdom of God on Earth is evidenced by his loyal at- tention to the daily activities and services of the congregation, as well as the pervasive impact of the church on community development initiatives: homelessness, senior citizen and youth empowerment, cultural awareness and ecumenical outreach. Under Rev. Dr. Butts' leadership, The Abyssinian Baptist Church is committed to the expansion and maintenance of the Christian mission. The Reverend was founder, and cur- rently Chairman of the Abyssinian Development Corporation,

a comprehensive, community-based not for profit organization, responsible for over $600 million in housing and commercial development in Harlem. He was also instrumental in estab- lishing Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change a public, state-of-the-art, intermediate and high school in Harlem, and is the visionary behind Thurgood Marshall Academy Lower School, which opened in September 2005. Rev. Dr. Butts has spearheaded numerous boycotts against institutions practicing racist policies and employment discrimi- nation. He led a nationally acclaimed and most effective campaign to eliminate negative billboard advertising in Central Harlem and New York City communities, and was joined in this effort by religious leaders and prominent officials around the country, who implemented similar campaigns with equal success. He was also at the vanguard of exposing rap music with violent and negative lyrics targeted at women. Rev. Dr. Butts’ boycott ef- forts have helped sensitize this nation to the evils of exploitive advertising, and he continues on a mission to uplift the ethical standards of the human community.

The brothers were allowed to digest the Word brought by Rev. Dr. Butts over dinner. Thereafter, the Province Polemarchs

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