Grit and determination: HFC alumnus beats long odds

HFC alumnus Dunamis Archer wants to send a message to people everywhere: If he can beat insurmountable odds, so can they.

"If anything, I want people to know if I can do it; there's hope for them. Nothing is impossible," said Archer, of Lincoln Park, quoting the late "Superman" actor Christopher Reeve, who was paralyzed in a 1995 horseback-riding accident.

When Archer was born in 1997, he was months premature. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and doctors informed Archer's parents, Andre and his wife, Valerie, that their son would spend his life unable to talk, unable to walk, unable to remember his name.

Archer proved them wrong, despite his daily challenges of mobility, numerous surgeries, including two knee replacements when he was 12, and extensive physical therapy.

"I had a lot of grit. I didn't stay in that wheelchair for too long. I wanted to get back on those drums," he said, speaking of a lifelong passion. "I wanted to get back to what I loved to do. I saw how the drums made people happy. I wanted to keep putting smiles on faces," he said.

Archer has been one of many to face the challenges of beating the odds of the COVID pandemic while pursuing higher education. His most recent example of proving everyone wrong is earning his bachelor's degree in communications from Wayne State University on May 5.

Marching to the beat of his own drum

"My faith has made it all possible for me to be able to achieve walking, talking, and going to school,” said Archer.

Coming from a musically-inclined family, Archer's father had him playing the drums at an early age.

"I always loved and admired music. My dad had me start on drums as a form of physical therapy. With the drums, I felt I could express myself," said Archer.

Given his proficiency at the drums, Archer enrolled at University Prep: Art and Design (formerly Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies) in Detroit. He was a year behind his peers. Wanting to be in the same class as them, Archer took a placement test, noting there wasn’t a study guide, and was promoted to the higher grade level.

“That was a proud moment in my life," said Archer.

Following his father to HFC

Upon graduation, Archer enrolled at HFC, where he was active in the music department, performing in Blue Fusion, the Metropolitan Symphony Band, the HFC Chorus. He also worked briefly for WHFR-FM (89.3), the College's student-run radio station, where his father has worked for 12 years.

"While at HFC, Dunamis Archer was an excellent drummer, an all-around fine musician, and a responsible student with the highest level of commitment. On top of that, he was always the perfect gentleman. I'm so happy for Dunamis' success and wish him all the best. Congratulations to him on graduating from Wayne State University, my alma mater!" said HFC music professor and director of choirs G. Kevin Dewey.

Archer attended HFC through the Detroit Promise. Founded in 2016, the Detroit Promise ensures that any student graduating from a high school in the city of Detroit will have a tuition-free path to an associate degree or technical certificate. The program is administered by the Detroit Regional Chamber in partnership with colleges such as HFC.

"I knew a good majority of the staff at WHFR. They watched me grow up,” said Archer. "Detroit Promise covered my tuition. So all I had to do was make sure I met the satisfactory academic progress requirements and meet with my counselor, Mark Yancy. He was my success coach, and has become a mentor. His door was always open. He was always someone that I could come to while I was at HFC."

In 2019, Archer graduated from HFC, earning his associate degree in general studies.

"In his time working with HFC's WHFR Radio, Dunamis always brought courtesy and a smiling face to our facilities. At the ready to help with anything, his determination for success was obvious. We congratulate him on this much-deserved accomplishment and know that he'll continue to inspire others on his journey," said HFC Chair of Communication and Media and WHFR General Manager Susan McGraw.

Strengthening his weakness

Upon graduation from HFC, Archer transferred to Wayne State, which he attended on student loans and several scholarships.

"I didn't want to spend a lot of money on tuition, and I didn’t want to miss out on opportunities presented at home. Wayne State was only a few minutes away from my home – the same thing with HFC. It was a good place to transfer to after HFC,” he said.

At Wayne State, Archer was a member of the Dean's Delegate Program in the College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts. Through this program, students receive a scholarship for leadership training and experience. In addition, students who serve on the leadership committee also represent their department and participate in suggested activities, such as college and university level functions, the dean's advisory panel, student-to-student communication, and community engagement.

Archer is also an alumnus of Teen HYPE (Helping Youth by Providing Education), a Detroit-based youth organization that helps youth face their challenges. He has also participated as an actor for the group's annual stage productions surrounding various social issues, including diversity and facing fears.

Originally, Archer planned to major in music at Wayne State. In the end, he chose a path that was more suitable to what he wanted to accomplish. Rather than try retry to audition, he decided to major in communications.

"You're talking to a guy who wasn't supposed to be able to talk, yet here I am getting my degree in communications,” he said. “I wanted to strengthen something I was weak at and turn it to my advantage. I hope my communications degree lets people see the outcome that my long journey has produced."

"I'm so honored to be his father"

His career aspiration is doing public relations work in the non-profit or corporate sectors. He has interned with Grow Detroit's Young Talent and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM). Archer is currently waiting to hear about another internship. He doesn't rule out graduate school.

Even though Archer didn't major in music, he hasn't given up on music. Archer has had opportunities to play the drums at three different churches.

“If there is someone out like me, don’t give up,” said Archer. “There’s hope. All it takes is perseverance, determination, and faith.”

Archer's father is beaming with pride at his son's many accomplishments.

"My son is an incredible young man," said Andre. "He sets the bar high and accomplishes everything that he sets his heart to do. He has been my inspiration and motivation every day of his 23 years of living. I'm so honored to be his father."