TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
Reverend Calvin O. Butts III, M. Div., D.Min. 1949–2022 In uential Pastor, University President Emeritus, Civic Leader, Educator, Religious Mentor
By Aaron Williams and Dr. Samuel Odom
F or half a century, Harlem’s his- toric Abyssinian Baptist Church served as home for its influen- tial and dynamic pastor, Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III. A compelling and eloquent orator, educator, and charis- matic leader, Butts rose to prominence, heading protests and boycotts against employment discrimination, police brutality, racial profiling, and discrimina- tory governmental policies while guiding his congregation and serving the Harlem community. His traits to engage with and inspire people from all walks of life, confidently and persuasively speak in public, and debate ideas and issues during his years as a pastor and a public figure originated when Butts was a stu- dent at Morehouse College. In a New York Times interview, Darren Walker, the president of the Ford Foundation on Butts said, “Reverend Butts worked more effectively than any other leader at the intersection of power, politics, and faith in New York. He understood the role of faith in our lives, especially in the
Black community.” Butts’ leadership created neighbor- hood schools, affordable housing, and employment opportunities for his con- gregation and the Harlem community. Butts was a revered mentor to genera- tions of men and women who entered the clergy. His considerable presence and influence from his pulpit made Butts a significant figure to individuals seeking elected office locally, state, and national- ly including the presidency. He was also a distinguished educator and a longtime university president. An esteemed com- munity leader, pastor, mentor, educator, and orator, the Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III (Pi 1968) entered the Chapter Invisible on October 28, 2022, at 73. The Abyssinian Baptist Church re- leased the following statement announc- ing his passing, “The Butts Family and the entire Abyssinian Baptist Church membership solicit your prayers for us in our bereavement.” Numerous public statements, remembrances, and offer- ings of condolences appeared in print
and social media from churches, fellow clergypersons, religious and civil rights organizations, and politicians.
Homegoing Services Visitation and funeral services for
Rev. Butts occurred on November 4-5, 2022, at Abyssinian Baptist Church. Crowds formed around the church as dignitaries such as U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris arrived to attend the ceremonies and pay respect to the Butts family. Grand Polemarch Reuben A. Shelton, III, Esq. traveled to New York City to attend the ceremonies. Grand Polemarch Shelton, along with Senior Grand Vice Polemarch Jimmy McMikle, New York (NY) Alumni Chapter mem- bers, a large contingent of members of the other New York City area chapters, and other members represented Kappa Alpha Psi. Local and national news media cov- ered the funeral ceremonies. Lines of parishioners and visitors who wanted to attend the services formed a line outside
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