A Letter To My Son...The Day After

In life, there are things we do that we are happy about. Sometimes we are disappointed with things we have done. There are times we are proud of the things we did and not so proud of other things. I am both happy and proud that I had the opportunity to witness what I believe to be some of the most important events of my life.

It was October 16, 1995 when I took the trip to Washington D.C. to participate in the calling of a million men to assemble on the historic mall. It was a grand occasion that I will never forget. There were men from every part of the United States. Great Grand Fathers, Grand Fathers, Fathers, Sons, Grand Sons and Great Grand Sons. There was nothing like it and never will there be. Coming together as a sign of unity and strength, over a million men to change one man, that man being myself. It was truly AMAZING! When the time comes to share the story with you I pray that I can recall it down to the smallest of details that will allow you to live it vicariously through me as I relive it. This was one of those things to be proud of.

Yesterday January 20, 2009 will be a day I will never forget. A day that for many, was one that no person would have dreamed. At high noon the 44Th President of the United Sates of America was sworn into the highest office in our Country. Debating as to whether your Mother and I would make the trip I thought to myself, this is one event I did not want to miss. Remembering the intensity and energy of the million man march I attempted to convince mommy to go. Before I go further I would be remiss to mention we were in a snow storm before we left. We took off nonetheless. A decision I am glad we made. Did I do it for me? Yes. But most importantly we did it for you. I want you to know that above all else if you don't learn anything else from us that you will come to understand there are certain things in life that you have to accomplish and witness for yourself. At the end of this journey we call life all we will have are the memories we've created along the way.

We woke up at 7am yesterday morning and walked over 10 miles in the blistery cold to stand on that same Washington mall. However, this time millions came to see one man. A man we believe will be the advocate of change. We voted for him, actually on Tuesday November 4th, 2008 you and I went together. I held you in my arms as I filled out the voting ballot. Another memory I hope you will come to be proud of. Our vote counted and he was elected. We watched him become the 44Th President in front of our eyes. Yes we could have stayed home and watched it on television but there is no substitute for the response the millions assembled gave when his name was called over the loud speaker and jumbotron screens..."Ladies and Gentlemen our 44Th President of The United States Of America, Barack Hussein Obama!" The crowd went wild! Every race and nationality you could think of was witness to this great event. They came from everywhere to see this man of color become the first African-American to hold this position. I was happy to be there and proud to be an American.

I can only imagine that for your generation it will probably be the norm to have a man of color or a woman presiding over our Country. I pray I live to see that day. It would be a blessing to watch it with you and your children. Or maybe we will watch your children while you go and experience it for yourself.

I hope and pray that you take that journey not only for yourself but for me as I did for you. Do it for your children but do it so that you will have something to be happy and proud of.

In My Lifetime...June Archer

What A Difference A Year Can Make...

Happy New Year! What makes a new year happy? I guess that all depends on the individual and what his or her mind is programmed to believe. Money, Power, Respect...? Family, Health, Happines...? Some might agree the latter of the bunch is not as exciting as the first three. You can have it all if you focus properly. Having it all means have a blessed and balanced life and in return a great and happy new year for the whole year.

I enter 2009 with another notch on my belt. I am a son, a brother, a best friend, a husband and now a father. All are important to me but none more important than being a father to a young man that I pray will be all of these things one day as well. I hope and pray that I live long enough to witness every one of them come true.

He is such an inspiration that it gives me so much more meaning to life. Something deep inside of you wants to be kind so that others may be kind to you and those you love. I want him to understand the same things. In life it's not just who you know but who knows you. Be kind to others and live good with others for at the end of the day when the money, power and respect have no say in the nursing home...all you have are memories of those who helped make the journey a blessing.

Be good to yourself and to others. We don't know when our time may be up or when the good Lord may need us to do work directly with him so make every moment count.

Happy New Year!

In My Lifetime...June Archer

3/8/08 - 9:23pm...It's A Beautiful Thing!

It was just this moment a week ago when it seems like life was moving in slow motion. My beautiful wife and I were in the hospital because she hadn't been feeling too well. Actually, it's been since December 18Th that things took an interesting turn with her pregnancy. Bed rest was the recommendation. The due date May 20Th but that night would change destiny, I believe forever, for the best.

Never have I felt at a loss for words when the doctor said Mom and Dad...It's A Boy! At that moment time sped up so much that I saw the future. My future...his future...our future. Allan William Christopher Archer was born on March 8, 2008 at 9:23 pm. Three months early I guess you would to say the guy is ahead of the curve, "Ready For The World", or just plain ready to begin his journey. Whatever reason it may be I know that it was written by the good Lord.

I pray that he will continue to always be ahead and never behind. I hope he will be a leader and never a follower. My wish is that he will learn to treat others with respect, love and understanding as that is what help him succeed in life. Son, it is with great love and admiration that I say from the bottom of my heart, you and Mommy have changed my life and I love the both of you dearly. It's been a week to the day and the hour is now approaching so I say Happy Born day Allan William Christopher Archer. Always remember to keep your head up and a smile on your face.


In My Lifetime...June Archer

That Was Then, This Is Now.

That Was Then, This Is Now.



It has been about 15 years since I was first introduced to the music business. The memories of traveling back and forth from Hartford to New York seem to feel like yesterday. I had dreams of making it big, watching my video on T.V., listening to my song on the radio, going on a World tour, meeting famous people and hopefully make a little money. Along this journey I have been blessed to meet some great people. Having grown up in the music business you see many people come and go. One person comes to mind when I think of someone who has remained a consistently great person and friend. It seems like just yesterday when he himself was on the airwaves and video doing well...he goes by the name of D-Nice. He started out as a DJ, and M.C. but has become bit by the photography bug. I am sure it has been a passion of his and I have to say I am proud of him for tapping into it. Please be sure to check out some of his work at www.D-Nice.com

He is a great example of what happens when passion and talent come together after putting in hard work. D-Nice that you for being a friend, example and positive role model. Your journey has just begun and I pray you continue to do great things.

Top Photo ( D-Nice, June Archer & Monie Love)
Bottom Photo ( June Archer, D-Nice, Allstar & Kawan "K.P." Prather)


InMyLifeTime...June Archer

New Year / New Start / New Beginings...

January 1st 2008 was the start of the New Year. Many of us have set goals in motion. Some have made resolutions. What I have come to understand is that many of these things amount to anything without constant consideration. It is the act of "doing" that matters.

Take the time to figure out what you want to do in life and make it happen. The time is now to do whatever your heart desires. The world is yours! Take the time to take stock of where you are today and when December 31st 2008 comes around you should not be in the same place you are today. God bless you in all you set out to do. I'll see you along the journey.

In My Lifetime...June Archer

Every Day Is A Happy Holiday!

Happy Holidays is so 80's! (smile)



2008 is slowly approaching and it's time to set goals and resolutions. Take time to think about what you really want...Happiness, Health & Wealth. Sure for some of us they might be in a different order but for some they mean different things. This New Year take time to take care of yourself and the loved ones around you. Be a blessing to others and watch the blessings return ten fold. Take time to say a kind word to a few people each day it may brighten up their day. Give a gift on a day other than a birthday or anniversary. Spend more time with your family besides reserving it just for Thanksgiving and Christmas.



Time waits for none of us and life is traveling faster than ever in this day and age. Before long babies are teenagers, young adults, adults and parents right before our eyes. We pray they grow to display all that we teach them...but what are we teaching them? How about instilling the right traditions, morals, customs and beliefs that they can pass on to their children. It's time to not just make a change but to do things differently and throw away grudges and hatred. Life is too short.



This new year we should wake up every day and be grateful to live to see another opportunity to live life and enjoy it with loved ones and close friends. It is a gift from the most high. Don't wait for holidays that just exist on the calendar...Every Day Is A Happy Holiday!



In My Lifetime...June Archer

Take Time To Stop And Say Hello...

How many times have you said to yourself...I wonder how such and such is doing or what they have been up to? With life moving fast in this day and age we often forget about family and close friends. Yes, we e-mail, we text, we even catch people on Myspace. What happened to human interaction? Calling a friend or relative on the telephone just to say hello, I was thinking of you. Taking the time to stop by and say hello just to see how they were doing. I am guilty of it as well but have tried over the past two years to do better.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. To wake up and live to see another day is a blessing. A blessing we tend to take advantage of. Some might not live to see another day. The ones you love, are close to, admire or just enjoy being around. Do you greet them with a kind word and part with I love you? I charge those who read this to reach out to those close family and friends and let them know you love and appreciate them. What is ahead for tomorrow, we don't know.

I had the opportunity to speak with a good friend two weeks ago. A childhood friend I grew to respect, admire, look up to and love. He was what one would call a renaissance man. For as long as I could remember he was always ahead of the latest and greatest of what was hot. He used to spray paint/air brush jean jackets for the kids in the neighborhood. If you needed a fresh haircut with the fly design in it, he was your guy. When it came to music, he was an M.C. with the most prolific and intelligent lyrics, he could DJ like the best of them he looked up to...Jam Master Jay and Grand Master Flash. If you wanted your jeans with the permanent crease or switch up the look of your Lee jeans...He was the future of clothing design as we know it today. This young man truly had his hand in everything and did them all very well.

Time had past and going through my phone book I came across his name and gave him a call. I was glad to know he was doing well and enjoying life. Our conversation was electric as we spoke about life, what was going on with each other. He was proud of my accomplishments as I was of his as well. We promised to see each other soon to meet about another young man he was thrilled to mentor at church. He was called to ministry and was obedient in his calling. I was looking forward to seeing and speaking with again...On Monday October 29Th 2007 the lord called him home. His stay was very short however, his legacy, memory and friendship will last a lifetime in my heart. I see his smile as I write these words. It was a blessing to speak with him that day. It was a blessing to be his friend. I look forward to seeing him again. Until then I wish him peace and blessing. I pray for his family and friends that they will heal with time. They should know they have a lot to smile about for just being able to spend what little time he had here on earth with them but know the day will come when they will see him again.

I'm glad I had the chance to take the time to stop and hello. I won't say goodbye but for now I'll say see you later.

My Friend, my brother I will surely miss you.
We love you Anthony (Tony) Mason
Rest In Peace 1970-2007

In My Lifetime - June Archer