HFC alumnus and WHFR DJ to receive Lifetime Achievement Award in June

HFC alumnus Andre Archer couldn’t believe it when he learned he would be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Gospel Choice Music Awards (GCMA) in June.

“We never really know the extent of impact that we are having on the lives of others. A lot of times, I felt that I was just spinning my wheels,” said Archer.

The GMCA celebrates the heritage of gospel music, paying tribute to some of today’s most influential artists. This year marks the 27th anniversary of the GMCA's founding.

“For me to be recognized by industry professionals is an honor and a blessing,” said Archer. “I have never been honored on a platform like this.”

12 years at WHFR

An alumnus of Jared W. Finney High School in Detroit, Archer is a 2011 graduate of HFC, where he earned his associate degree in telecommunication. For the past 12 years, he has been an announcer/producer for WHFR-FM (89.3), the College’s student-run radio station.

“Wow! I can’t believe it’s been 12 years! WHFR is a station that promotes independent and local artists. Being a gospel singer-songwriter, it just seemed like a perfect fit,” said Archer. “WHFR is a family. I feel as though the work being done at WHFR is having an impact on the industry, as well as the community.”

“Longtime WHFR DJ Andre Archer is committed to the music he plays on his radio show, which is evident through his passion on the air and his sharing of information about the inspirational artists and format of gospel music in general. We're so proud of him as he earns this well-deserved lifetime achievement award for his role in the wonderful gospel music community,” said HFC Chair of Communication and Media/WHFR General Manager Susan McGraw.

Dusting off a dream

An ordained elder, Archer has a bachelor’s degree in theology from Faith Tabernacle Christian College in Detroit. For 10 years, he has been the minister of music at First United Church of Jesus Christ in Detroit. He also lives in Detroit with Valerie, his wife of almost 25 years. Together, they have seven children, including HFC alumnus Dunamis Archer and 11 grandchildren.

“I was working at Ford Motor Co. and was laid off,” he said. “During that time, there was a program called No Worker Left Behind (NWLB), which gave me the opportunity to return to school. HFC had a program that captured my attention, so, I went for it. Thanks to HFC, I was able to dust off a dream and pursue my passion for gospel music.”

Music, and particularly gospel music, has been part of Archer’s life going back to his childhood.

“I grew up singing with my family, working with some of the pioneers of gospel music. I worked in secular music for a while, but my heart's passion is gospel music. All kinds of gospel music!” he said. “When I made the decision to walk away from secular music, I had no idea what to do with my life. I had always been a musician. I had no other skills that I could see as marketable. It seemed only natural for me to go into radio. WHFR has allowed me to dust off the vision that I have had for 40 years and bring it to pass. I am eternally grateful for HFC and WHFR.”