Sad News: Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts made his transition to the realm of Ancestor/Angels

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

I just got punched in the stomach, my heart just stop and all the blood just drained from my entire being at the news that Brother/Friend, and leader of Abyssinian Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts has made his transition to the realm of Ancestor/Angels.

 

  

REV. CALVIN O. BUTTS, Min. of the Legendary Abyssinian Baptist Church made his transition to the realm of ANCESTOR/ANGELS at age 73 - October 28, 2022 - May He Rest In Peace & Power

My mind did a total rewind to when I first met Rev. Butts - upon his ascension to the leadership of Abyssinian Baptist Church, following the great Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., we were not friends then.  It appeared that he was trying to take the church in a different direction, so several of us gathered together at one of his sermons to meet with him and let him know "what time it was." 

Rather it being a confrontational meeting, it turned into a collaborative effort, with Rev. Butts becoming a lead in helping to bring Harlem and his congregation together in proactive alliances that have been legendary in their scope. 

 

Often, Abyssinian was the go to center when Black people were confronted with issues that were not being dealt with in city hall.  

It was the final send off when you made your transition - countless times I've attended homegoing ceremonies for friends who were legendary activists or artists near and dear to us all: Nick Ashford, Dr.Dorothy I. Height, Gil Noble, Sylvia Queen of Soul Food and her husband, Herbert Woods, who predeceased her -  are just a few who come to top of mind. 

So sorry, but I'm still gathering myself from this terrible news - I'm in a minor state of shock, but I just wanted to send out my love and condolences to his wife, family, the members of Abyssinian Church, my Harlem brothers and sisters, and Black people across the globe - Rev. Butts always tried to be a positive force for good - and will be missed and hard to replace in Harlem and in our hearts.

 

I  thank GOD the Living Spirit Almighty for blessing me with coming to know this valiant brother and for the privilege of  having interviewed and interacted with him.  

As more information comes about his homegoing ceremony, I will post it in ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS and on my INSTAGRAM and FACE BOOK Pages.

In the interim, please stay blessed and take care of yourselves and each other.  I don't want to lose any more of my friends and relatives.  

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Gloria DULAN-Wilson