Abyssinian Church's Dr. Calvin O. Butts III
Pastor of one of the most historic Baptist churches coming to Canisius
Active in the struggle to eliminate racial discrimination, Butts works to generate positive images and messages for the African American community. As president of the Organization of African American clergy, he led the fight against police brutality in the city of New York. This organization also spearheaded boycotts against other New York institutions for racist policies and employment discrimination against African American people.
Butts was named pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church, one of the most historic Baptist churches in the nation, in 1989. The church has a long tradition of community advocacy and empowerment, and a mission to create a viable dynamic community in Central Harlem, the church’s home for nearly 70 years.
He established the Abyssinian Development Corporation in 1989, a non-profit entity to oversee building projects, further develop affordable housing and revitalize the economic base of Central Harlem. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change, a public intermediate and high school, under the direction of the Abyssinian Development Corporation.
Butts has spearheaded numerous service programs, which include "Health Watch," a youth AIDS prevention program; "Education 2000" to enhance math and science skills of youth in conjunction with the National Council of Negro Women; an extended athletic program; and an after school program.
He also led a nationally acclaimed and effective campaign to eliminate negative billboard advertising in the Central Harlem communities and in many communities around New York City, and has waged a campaign against negative lyrics and images in the recording industry, specifically rap music, bringing attention to the effects of negative messages on our youth. He continues to preach in distinguished pulpits throughout the Tri-State area, the nation and the world. He has spread the word of God in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Cuba and throughout the Caribbean Islands.
In addition to his religious avocations, Butts is president of SUNY College at Old Westbury. Named president in September 1999, he has guided the college as it increased its enrollment, added additional full-time faculty and expanded its student services.
A native of New York City, Butts earned his bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He returned to New York and earned a master of divinity degree in church history from the Union Theological Seminary, and a doctor of ministry in church and public policy from Drew University. Butts has taught urban affairs and served as an adjunct professor in the African Studies Department at City College, New York, and has also taught black church history at Fordham University.
Butts serves as president of the Council of Churches of the city of New York, vice chair of the Board of Directors of United Way of New York City, as a member of the leadership boards of the September 11 Fund, the Boy Scouts of America, Theodore Roosevelt Council, the American Baptist College and the Community Development Corporation of Long Island.
He is the chairman of the National Affiliate Development Initiative of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (BLCA) and a founding member of the organization’s board of commissioners. He has served as president of Africare, an independent organization dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life in rural Africa.
Butts has been presented with honorary degrees from several colleges and universities, and has received more than 1,000 honors and commendations for his community activism, including being recognized as a Living Treasure by the New York City Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
For more information regarding the lecture, contact the Office of Public Relations at (716) 888-2790.
Canisius College is one of 28 Jesuit colleges in the nation and the premier private college in Western New York. Canisius prepares leaders – intelligent, caring, faithful individuals – able to pursue and promote excellence in their professions, their communities and their service to humanity.
Date released: 1/13/2004
