Uncrowned Community Builders

Fred Douglas Archer Jr., a native of Reidsville, North Carolina, is the son of the Fred D. Archer Sr. and Lollie Archer Williams. He spent his early years in Reidsville where he attended the public schools. In 1946, he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School with honors. He attended Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, earning his B.S. degree in 1950. While at Shaw, he developed a great interest in science and dramatics. He played the role of Cassius in "Othello." He also became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

After serving as a member of the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict, he was honorably discharged. Upon his discharge from the Marine Corps in 1953, he returned to Buffalo where he was briefly employed at Bethlehem Steel. With the encouragement of his cousin, Dr. James E. Moore, a dentist, he moved to Washington, D.C. to attend medical school at Howard University. He earned the D.D.S. Degree in 1960. After his graduation, he was appointed to the staff of the Howard University College of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics.

In 1962, he moved back to Buffalo, New York where he began a private practice in general dentistry with a focus on fixed prosthodontics. He shared his dental expertise with the Buffalo community, in 1968, when he was appointed Instructor of Dental materials, Dental Assistants Program, University at Buffalo, Urban Center. In 1969, he was appointed Clinical Instructor, Department of Restorative Dentistry; University at Buffalo College of Dental Medicine. Later, he received the appointment of Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Oral Medicine, and Emergency Clinic also at the University at Buffalo. He served in this position on a part-time basis. He retained this position until his retirement in 1997. However, his retirement from private practice did not occur until 2003.

Upon his retirement from the University at Buffalo and private practice, he joined the Western New York Dental Group where he presently practices part-time. As a result of his dedication to the dental profession, he encouraged many others to pursue careers in dentistry. His professional affiliations included memberships in various organizations: American College of Dentists; International College of Dentists; American Dental Association; Erie County Dental Society, serving as the first African American President; Eighth District Dental Society, also serving as the first Black President; Howard University Dental Alumni Association and Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.

He was also affiliated with other organizations in the community: Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church; Urban League; the NAACP; the United Negro College Fund; Willow Ridge Civic Association; Shaw University Alumni Association; Greater Buffalo Howard University Alumni Association - First President; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; and Beechwood Continuing Care - Board of Directors.

Dr. Archer was the recipient of various awards including; Upstate Medical Alliance - Outstanding Member Award; Upstate Medical Alliance - Man of the Year Award; Howard University - Alumni Achievement Award; and Erie County Dental Society - Frank Stone Memorial Award.

A devoted husband and father, he was married to his wife, Janet in 1957. They have two sons - Fred, III, M.D. and Richard. They are proud grandparents of Samantha and Alexis Spikes and Fred D. Archer, IV. The Archers live in Amherst, New York.