HBCU/Divine Nine Greek Sunday Service

May 16, 2023May 31, 2023 R.L. Witter

Abyssinian Baptist Church Honors Pastor’s Commitment to Faith and Education

To honor the legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, (Morehouse College, ‘72 and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity member), The Abyssinian Baptist Church celebrated its inaugural HBCU/Greek Sunday on February 26, 2023. The service emphasized the significant impact of HBCUs and Divine Nine Greekletter organizations in uplifting Black culture. Many HBCUs were founded through Black churches; and most Divine Nine and other Greek-letter organizations are rooted in Christian principles. HBCUs and Greek-letter organizations, committed to educational excellence and societal transformation, focus on the liberation and forward progress of Black people, tenets to which Dr. Butts dedicated his life and work.

David K. Wilson, Ed.D., 10th president of Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD served as keynote speaker. Other special guests: College presidents: Dr. Patricia Ramsey, Medgar Evers College; Dr. Vincent Boudreau, City College of NY; Dr. Claudia Schrader, Kingsborough Community College; Anthony E. Munroe, Manhattan Community College; NYC Public Schools Chancellor David Banks; NYC First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright; and Columbia University School of Journalism Dean Dr. Jelani Cobb. Vy Higginsen, creator of Mama, I Want to Sing! showcased a special performance by one of the young lead singers from this year’s 40th anniversary celebration, Asa Sultan.

“Faith and Education are the Tigris and Euphrates of our redemption, twin rivers at the source of our liberation….” Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III