Dennis Archer: Everyone Has the Power to Make a Difference

Former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer delivered an inspiring keynote address Monday during the annual Tri-Community Coalition Leadership Breakfast, urging those in attendance to remember that every individual can make a difference in the world.

His speech came on the heels of news Aug. 31 that to help prevent and reduce substance use among young people in Berkley, Huntington Woods and Oak Park.

"The coalition's work cannot and should not be minimized. We save lives," Executive Director Judy Rubin told the audience Monday at in Berkley.

Paving the way for Archer's speech, "Leadership from the Perspective of a Recovering Politician," she added that the problem is not that people do not know what to do to make a difference in youths' lives, but that they fail to act.

Rubin then welcomed Oakland County 6th Circuit Court Judge Edward Sosnick, who introduced the keynote speaker and noted many of Archer's accomplishments, including:

• Teaching learning disabled students in the Detroit Public Schools.
• Working as a trial lawyer and serving as associate professor of the Detroit College of Law, and as an adjunct professor of law at Wayne State University Law School.
• Serving as an associate justice of the Michigan Supreme Court under Gov. James Blanchard.
• Serving as Detroit's mayor from 1994 to 2000.
• Being elected chairman of Dickinson Wright PLLC, a Detroit-based law firm.
• Being elected to serve as president of the American Bar Association, the first African-American to hold that position.

Archer began by praising the Tri-Community Coalition's mission: "One thing you've done that has earned you the right to be funded another 5 years ... is caring about children," he said.

"Children do not take a vote as to what family they're going to be born into and what choices and options are going to be available to them," he said.

Some children having loving, supportive homes while others do not; regardless, they all face the temptations of peer pressure, he said.

Fundamentals of leadership

Leadership stretches your physical, mental and emotional depths, Archer told the audience Monday.

Great leaders he cited throughout history, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, President Abraham Lincoln and Harriet Tubman proved that to be true.

"What set them apart is the willingness for self-sacrifice," Archer said, adding that leadership also entails:

• Living up to one's self-set standards.
• A sense of discipline.
• Ability to communicate a shared vision.
• Willingness to make tough decisions and live with the consequences.

Speaking to the latter point, he quoted 14th Chief Justice of the United States Earl Warren, who said: "Everything I did in my life that was worthwhile, I caught hell for."

Ultimately, Archer said, people are searching for purpose in their lives, the ability to make a difference.

"You don't have to be a lawyer to change the world," he said. "Everyone has the power to challenge injustice."

He urged audience members to give back to their communities however they can, whether it's volunteering at a homeless shelter or helping out at a church, synagogue or nonprofit organization such as TCC.

But, Archer cautioned, it's also important for leaders to take the time to exercise, enjoy family dinners and connect with themselves and loved ones: Someone with "a balanced life makes for a better professional, a whole person," he concluded.

Quick hits

Archer has no Supreme Court plans

Following his speech, Archer took a few minutes to take questions from the crowd.

Responding to a query from Huntington Woods City Commissioner Jeffrey Jenks, Archer shot down speculation about his interest in a position on the U.S. Supreme Court.

"I am a recovering politician," joked Archer, who said he is enjoying his freedom and has no designs on the lofty judicial role.

Volunteer receives Power of One Award

After Archer finished speaking, TCC Executive Director Judy Rubin presented volunteer Beverley Barra of Berkley with the organization's Power of One award.

In her acceptance speech, Barra said: "Instead of what you have no control over, focusing on what you can do maximizes your effectiveness."

She said there are two things every person can do to make a difference in the community and help prevent substance abuse:

• Every day, look for the opportunity to help a young person find their value.
• Donate your money and/or time to the Tri-Community Coalition.

"Our children need the Power of One multiplied," she said.