Mayor Adams Orders Flags Lowered to Half Staff in Honor of Passing of Reverend Dr. Calvin Butts III

October 28, 2022

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement on the passing of Reverend Dr. Calvin Butts III:

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of a giant in our city, Reverend Dr. Calvin Butts III of Abyssinian Baptist Church. For decades, Reverend Butts was a spiritual leader not just to people of a Harlem, but also to a city who looked to him for guidance and wisdom. The Reverend was a mentor to me throughout my life, helping me grow as a person and meet the challenges of being mayor. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones.”

As a mark of respect for the memory of Reverend Butts, Mayor Adams has ordered all flags on all city buildings, as well as stationary flagstaffs throughout the five boroughs, to be lowered to half-staff, beginning at sunrise tomorrow. 

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