For more than 30 years, pastor and powerbroker the Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts III, was senior pastor at Harlem's legendary Abyssinian Baptist Church. He died Friday at 73, leaving a legacy of prayer and political activism.
The Rev. Calvin O Butts III, pastor of Harlem's legendary Abyssinian Baptist Church, died on Friday at home in New York City. He was 73.Newsday LLC/Newsday RM via Getty Images
With his erudite, sometimes pointed sermons, Butts ministered to Abyssinian's thousands of members and to visitors from around the globe.Street to hear Butts expound on social justice, economic parity and the need for neighbors to"love one another." At the time, Harlem was rich in history but poor in resources. The same year he became head pastor, Butts formed the Abyssinian Development Corporation, which aimed to create viable housing and businesses that would include Harlem residents, many of whom were in danger of being pushed out by looming gentrification.
Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, speaks onstage during the André Leon Talley Celebration of Life at The Abyssinian Baptist Church on April 29 in New York City.He saw himself as a"race man" but didn't automatically back all Black people Butts also raised eyebrows in 2008 when he supported Hillary Clinton over Barack Obama proclaiming the endorsement"was not and is not and will not become a race-based decision for me."
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