(Albany, NY) – Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs today presented her first mayoral proclamation at City Hall, honoring decades-long Arbor Hill resident Edna Mae-Davis Howard in celebration of her 99th birthday and lifetime of leadership through compassion. The Mayor was joined by Edna’s daughter, Geraldine Phillips, as well as Common Council Members Lormenzo Jones and Arthur Lumpkin. The greater Howard family along with additional community members also attended the event.
“Honoring Mother Howard with my first proclamation was intentional,” said Mayor Applyrs. “She represents the elders who have poured love into this city for decades and hold our community together. We, as a city, must do all we can to uplift and protect our elders. We have so much to learn from them.”
Edna was born on January 6th, 1927 and was raised in Harlem by her Grandparents, along with her four cousins, during the Great Depression in the 1930s. She moved to Albany’s Arbor Hill neighborhood with her late husband, Charles Will Howard, in 1950. Edna and Charles had three children from their union. Edna has held many membership roles in both her church and her community, and is known as a Community Grandma to many in the Arbor Hill neighborhood. She has fed the children of her neighborhood for decades, giving them guidance and shelter when needed.
A pillar of the Arbor Hill community, Edna Mae-Davis Howard has spent decades serving others through her public service and faith. Edna dedicated more than 30 years of service to the State of New York through the Office of General Services. She made history in 1954 when her immediate supervisor recommended that Edna take the supervisors exam, making her the first Black female supervisor in Maintenance Services. Her leadership helped open doors for others and set a standard of integrity in public service. Known in the community as “Mother Howard”, Edna is the second-eldest Mother of her church, Mount Olive Southern Missionary Baptist Church.
“Our elders carry our history and our values,” Mayor Applyrs said. “Their stories matter and their wisdom must be centered as we build the future of our city.”
The City of Albany congratulates Edna Mae-Davis Howard on her 99th birthday and thanks her for a lifetime of service to Albany.