Harlem Celebrates Opening of New Cultural Centre

On Sunday, more than 100 people gathered along W. 138th Avenue in Harlem for a block party to mark the opening of the new Calvin O. Butts III Educational and Cultural Centre, affiliated with the Abyssinian Baptist Church.

The vibrant scene included food trucks, music, and bounce houses for kids, making the atmosphere festive outside the church where the late Rev. Butts had an influential ministry for over three decades.

“Today is indeed a blessed day as we come together to honor an incredible man, our great servant of God, Dr. Calvin Butts III,” stated Schumer during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I was honored to partner with Dr. Butts in efforts to uplift the lives of people in New York and Harlem.”

The new centre, which stands five stories tall, is adjacent to a 100-year-old church that has been a cornerstone of the Harlem community for more than 200 years. It features classrooms, event spaces, auditoriums, and a garden patio that the community can utilize.

Rev. Butts, who passed away at age 72 in 2022, had long envisioned creating such a space at the cultural heart of Harlem.

“This completes Pastor Butts’ vision, as we’re opening this center not just for our church but for the entire community,” noted Pastor Kevin Johnson, who succeeded Butts and was personally mentored by him. “We’ll be holding educational seminars and offering resources that empower people to dream big and achieve those dreams,” he said. “The Abyssinian has always been woven into the fabric of Harlem, and this centre is entirely dedicated to ensuring that Harlem thrives.”

Butts became the pastor of Abyssinian in 1972, serving until 2020 before transitioning to the presidency of Old Westbury University at New York State University in Long Island. He was celebrated for his staunch advocacy for Harlem and the Black community in New York, navigating political landscapes to secure vital resources for his neighborhood.

One of his notable projects focused on preserving affordable housing for low-income residents.

Bragg, who attended Abyssinian’s Sunday school and now teaches there, expressed his excitement about the new centre. His high school service project led him to realize the church was collaborating with real estate developers, emphasizing the significance of the new community center. “My heart is overjoyed. Just being here, today feels like a blessing,” he shared.

Among the attendees were Butts’ wife and sons, with Calvin IV reflecting on the day’s emotional significance, as it coincided with the 78th anniversary of his grandparents’ wedding in 1947. “This is a great day. I know he would be immensely grateful for your support, and I’m hopeful for what this space will mean for our future,” he remarked.

Patricia, Butts’ wife, also contributed by cutting the ribbon, saying, “Thank you to all your family and friends, thank you, thank you.”