Albany women big part of history

EDITOR’S NOTE: Women’s History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women in history and in contemporary society. In recognition of this declaration, some women with Albany and South Georgia ties will be recognized throughout the month for their leadership and accomplishments.

ALBANY — In the United States, Women’s History Month traces its beginnings back to the first International Women’s Day in 1911. In 1979, a 15-day conference focusing on women’s history was held at Sarah Lawrence College. It was the first major symposium of its kind and was co-sponsored by the Women’s Action Council and the Smithsonian Institute.

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter was instrumental in bringing the significance of women’s history to the forefront when he issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 National Women’s History Week. Since then, communities, schools and other institutions have devoted greater attention to the matter.

One of the many women who made history in Albany is Portia Holmes-Shields, who became Albany State University’s first female president in 1996. When she came to Albany, the city and the university were recovering from massive Flint River flooding. In response, Shields led a successful $153 million flood recovery program and was able to quickly repair and restore the 204-acre campus.

Another major accomplishment during Shields’ tenure as president was an increase in the student population from just over 3,000 students when she arrived to nearly 4,000 students. She also was credited with achieving one of the highest student retention rates among the University of Georgia’s 34 colleges and universities. Before leaving her post in 2005, three new undergraduate programs were added to the university along with a master’s degree program in public administration.

Another significant Albany leader is Mayor Dorothy Hubbard, who won her second term as mayor in November 2015. When first elected in 2011, Hubbard became Albany’s first female mayor.

Approachable, caring, a strong advocate of collaboration, open to new ideas, a woman who often speaks of her faith and a visionary who has often said the best way to move forward is to never get stuck in the past, Hubbard has proven to be a capable city leader.

At the time of her re-election Hubbard told The Albany Herald “I knew what was ahead, knew that we had some hard work to do. … I don’t mind telling you, I seldom lose sleep, but some of these things kept me up at night. But the one thing about serving in our government that’s personal for me is that I want to make our community one where my grandchildren and great-grandchildren can have a successful future.”

Hubbard cited a complete overhaul of the East Broad Avenue underpass and completion of a new senior housing complex as two accomplishments and examples of collaborative work during her first tenure. More recently, Hubbard has advocated for cleaning up the blight and illegal dumping in and around Albany. She has advocated for using SPLOST funds to improve local infrastructure. She has strongly supported downtown redevelopment and the Flint River Trail Master Plan, which she has often said will bring more visitors to Albany.

A highlight of her career came last summer when Hubbard was sworn in as the 85th president of the Georgia Municipal Association during the association’s annual conference in Savannah. At that time, she became the first official from Albany to serve as GMA president in 72 years.

An Americus native, Hubbard is a graduate of Sumter High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Albany State University and a Masters of Education in administration and supervision from the University of Georgia.

In 1999, Hubbard retired from Albany State University as assistant to the president. Also, in her 29-year tenure at ASU, she served as registrar and assistant vice president for academic affairs, director of admissions and registration, assistant director of admissions, admissions counselor and secretary. Her community service activities include leadership roles with the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Albany Museum of Art, Girls Inc. of Albany, and Semper Fidelis Club Inc.

Another woman who is a strong leader and example of current female leadership in Albany is Kimberly Persley, who serves as coordinating chief for the Dougherty County Department of Corrections. Persley had plenty to say about women’s history and those women who have positively impacted her own life.

“There are so many women of grace that I am elated to identify as being influential in my life,” she said. “These ladies have made such an incredible impact. They have helped to shape, mold, inspire and even challenge me to realize my greatest potential.”

Persley said her mother, Mary Braggs, is “by far the greatest inspiration”.

“She is the most precious jewel that one could ever ask for,” Persley said. “God knew exactly what He was doing when He formed me in her belly. She has a nurturing and caring spirit. My mother was determined that my siblings and I would get the best that life has to offer. She instilled in us the importance of making God a priority. We understood generational prayers as my great-grandmother, grandmother, mother and my aunt were all praying women.

“My mother and my aunt, Annie Adams, were a match for any opposing force that came against us. The two of them united in prayer, would keep the enemy at bay while simultaneously pushing us to the forefront of greatness as it was not optional. They gave a lot so that we could have the best. We were guided in the direction of those things that matter the most in making a difference, such as church commitment, education and voting, as these things were of the most importance.”

Persley also paid tribute to Wilma Griffin, a retired major with the Albany Police Department.

“She has unequivocally impacted my career life,” Persley said. “At a very early age, I knew my calling was in public service in the law enforcement arena. So the questions became who do I seek guidance and direction from, how do I advance even with the challenges I would face, whom would I seek answers for complicated questions?

“And then there was Major Wilma Griffin, my career life-saver. I knew she had experienced the highs and lows of career success. I watched her for years stand boldly in integrity, not comprising, even when it wasn’t popular to do so. I watched her lead even in the toughest of times when others would have folded. I watched her give all even when it was not appreciated, and yet she still stood tall in God’s grace and mercy. Major Griffin laid the foundation as she served as the first black female to hold the highest ranking position with the Albany Police Department.”

Persley said that Hubbard has also been among the women she most admires.

“When I think of a servant leader, somehow the Honorable Mayor Dorothy Hubbard always come to mind,” she said. “Mayor Hubbard is an inspiration to me. I’ve had so many welcome opportunities to ‘informally interview’ her, and each time I have walked away with a greater sense of hope and determination. Who would not be inspired to knock on the door of opportunity when you talk to Mayor Dorothy Hubbard?

“These ladies have by far been a powerful force in my life. These are women who overcame hardships, broke records and blazed trails by literally shattering glass ceilings and even more. They have taught me that regardless of the obstacles and challenges, with God, all things are possible.”