Black History Month honors the achievements and contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our past and continue to inspire our future. At The University of Olivet, this month holds a particularly meaningful place in our story.
Since our founding in 1844, Olivet has been breaking barriers, welcoming African Americans and women alongside white men, long before such ideals were widely accepted. Our bold commitment to equality came 19 years before the Emancipation Proclamation, even in the face of opposition so strong that the State of Michigan initially refused to grant a charter to our university until 1859.
Among the trailblazers in our history is Hiram Archer, a member of Olivet’s baseball team in 1893 and one of the first African American student-athletes in the nation. Hiram went on to earn master’s and doctorate degrees and served in leadership positions at multiple academic institutions, including as director of science and assistant principal at what is now Alabama A&M University. He finished his career as a nationally recognized scientist with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Today, Hiram’s legacy continues through the Hiram Archer Student Success Academy (HASSA), which provides mentorship and support for students of color, fostering academic success and a culture of belonging and opportunity on our campus.
Black History Month reminds us not only to reflect on the past but also to renew our commitment to ensuring that every student has access, opportunity and the support to thrive.