The Archie Lee Ivy Story is a new biography that follows the committed life of Reverend Archie Ivy from his roots in Mississippi, to fulfilling what he always thought was his destiny in Milwaukee, WI. Archie's church ministry in Milwaukee's central city has made a real difference in the community.
Archie believes that church is community and must be directly involved in improving people's lives. Although he was born poor, he was determined to have a better life than working in the fields of Mississippi.
Archie attended the Shannon Colored School and graduated two years behind his classmates. He was held back because his father refused to pay a school fee that White parents didn't have to pay at their schools.
He was the first in his family to attend college and upon graduation moved north to Milwaukee to start his teaching career. He felt the call to ministry while he was still a teacher, but resisted for nearly a decade. He said he wasn't running away from his calling, as much as he was trying to make himself acceptable to God. "Once I submitted to God's will I dedicated my life to Christ," says Archie. "This is the path that God has chosen for me. I'm here by assignment."
Here's what two Milwaukee leaders think: "Dr. Archie Ivy's biography is a must-read for those who want lessons in how a pastor not only provides spiritual guidance but rolls up his sleeves to advance the needs of a community's most underserved population. His commitment to making sure that we are indeed our brother's keeper is exemplary and a lesson for all of those who truly believe that a Pastor's job extends far beyond preaching on Sundays."-Dr. Howard Fuller, founder & Board Chair- Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy.
"Rev. Dr. Archie Ivy continues to contribute to the betterment of Milwaukee as a consummate Christian Leader. His impact has been as an educator and then advocate of reform for public schools, the penal system and the health system; all in addition to his Pastoral leadership of his church and as a leader among the Milwaukee Clergy. His is a quiet, deep strength working for justice, inclusion, and equality in Milwaukee."-Rev. Carmen Porco, Executive Director- Wisconsin Housing Ministries
If you admire people who never give up; who achieve great things despite
impossible odds; who devote their life to caring for others and who
serve as a role model for many, you'll enjoy Dr. Ivy's story.