In 1988, the Tucson City Council voted to rename the “A” Mountain Neighborhood Center for Fred Archer. Archer had been involved with the construction of the center before its opening, in 1978, and he was the center’s director until his death.
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1978 Star file photo
Fred Archer
Archer had long been an active member of the Tucson community. He served on Tucson’s Model Cities policy board. He also was a member of the Citizens Participation Council and the Affirmative Action Task Force.
He oversaw the construction of the new neighborhood center and wanted it to be a place for area residents to use for whatever purpose they wanted. He was proud of the fact that it was an environmentally friendly building, using natural vegetation and maximum thermal efficiency.
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It was a fitting honor that the council recognized Fred Archer for his contribution to the city. But, Archer had already received recognition from his country for his distinguished service in the Air Force.
Fred Archer was a 33-year veteran of the Air Force. When he retired in 1974, he had achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Archer was nominated three times for the position of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. The Tuskegee Airmen Inc. has an award named for him.
Archer died in 1988 at the age of 67. There is an extensive biography on him at the website In the Steps of Esteban: Tucson’s African American Heritage.
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