SJC Celebrates Black History Month with Guest Lecturer

February 05, 2012

PATCHOGUE, NY February 6, 2012  The Offices of Multicultural Student Life and Diversity Initiatives at St. Josephs College is pleased to present, "Celebrating the Legacy of Black History with guest speaker Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, D. Min. and a special musical performance by the Central Islip Concert Choir on Thursday, February 23 at 6 p.m. in the McGann Conference Center on the Colleges Long Island Campus. 

Dr. Calvin Butts is a pastor in the nationally-recognized historical Abyssinian Baptist Church in NYC and president of SUNY College at Old Westbury. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and a Master of Divinity degree in Church History from the Union Theological Seminary in New York, NY. He later acquired a Doctor of Ministry in Church and Public Policy from Drew University in Madison, NJ. Dr. Butts has also taught black church history at Fordham University, and urban affairs, both while serving as an adjunct professor in the African Studies Department at City College, NY

"The Continent of Africa is the cradle of civilization, said Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, D. Min. "To be ignorant of African history, and the history of African people, is to deny your very humanity.

Dr. Butts has conducted numerous speaking engagements to a variety of audiences and has spoken on an array of subjects, including community development, education, homelessness, senior citizen and youth empowerment and cultural awareness for colleges and universities, business and professional organizations, religious congregations, and governmental agencies throughout his career.

This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Dinner will be available. RSVP by February 10 at 631.687.4563 or email [email protected].