Elissa Slotkin: “Today, I rise to honor one of the first African-American college athletes and scholars who paved the way for students of…”

“Today, I rise to honor one of the first African-American college athletes and scholars who paved the way for students of color across the State of Michigan and this Nation. Hiram Archer was the first student of color to be officially documented as a graduate of Olivet College located in Eaton County in Michigan's Seventh District, a historic place in and of itself. He attended Olivet from 1888 to 1904, and played on the school's varsity baseball team, making him one of the first ten Black athletes in the Nation to play intercollegiate sports. While a student at Olivet, Archer was active in music and other creative endeavors. A gifted public speaker, Archer won several oratory and debate contests, and spoke at prominent events, including the inauguration of college president, William G. Sperry, in 1893. The school considers him to be a model representative of both the history and the future goals of students of color at Olivet. Archer remained at Olivet to complete his master's degree in science and went on to earn a doctorate. He went on to serve in leadership positions at several academic institutions, at the college in Normal, Alabama, which today is known as Alabama A&M University. He finished his career with the Smithsonian Institution here in D.C., as a nationally recognized scientist. Archer passed away in 1945, having made Olivet and the State of Michigan proud.…”