From Record Clerk to Director: How Albany's First Black Female Employee Overcame Discrimination in Her 53-Year Career

The City of Albany recently celebrated Mary Ann Petty, who made history as the first Black female customer service record clerk and later rose to become Director of Administrative Services.

Starting a Historic Career

Petty began working for the City of Albany at just 19 years old. Her hiring came after the city was required to integrate its workforce under desegregation laws, making her the first Black woman to work for the city.

"My first response was, I didn’t want the job, you know, because I’m 19 years old. I wanted to stay home," Petty recalled. "But then, I made a decision, and they talked to me about how important it was, because Judge Owens had signed a court injunction, which mandated that the city of Albany hire some blacks within these downtown offices. So I did, and then I did not know at that time how significant it was, but as time passed, I realized where I was."

Facing Discrimination and Perseverance

Petty’s path was not easy. She faced discrimination because of her position, being forced to eat lunch in the boiler room, enduring cruel comments, and experiencing treatment no employee should have to face.

"I realized my first day on the job I wasn’t a welcomed site, I was a sight that was unwelcome," Petty said. "But through those years it is wonderful and beautiful, everything has changed, and I have had a magnificent 53 years with the city of Albany."

More than 53 years later, her peers and fellow city employees gathered to celebrate Petty and the legacy she helped build at the Albany Civic Center.

"She’s a legend, and you can’t find that, but it has to be a ministry of yours. It has to be a ministry of yours to serve people, sometimes when they don’t want to be served," said Albany City Manager Terrell Jacobs.

Celebration Brings Reflection

The event included laughs, tears, moments of reflection, and dancing. Family and friends attended, along with city leaders and department heads, many of whom are now Black, a sight that Petty said she never imagined she would see.

"In 1972, you wouldn’t have seen a Persely. You wouldn’t have seen a Scott. You wouldn’t have seen a John. Mr. Hawthorne," Petty said. "As I walk off this stage, I say to you all, those of you who are standing, continue to stand, continue to stand. Continue to stand, because at the end of the dash. Guess what? I’m taking my seat for you. I’m taking my seat for you."