POWERGRAMS

Not wanting to create a bigger issue, she refused to complain to administrators. During her college career, Curry-Story never had a class with another black student. "I paved the way for people who came behind me at JSU," she said. WINNING A JOB AT ALABAMA POWER As graduation neared, Curry-Story began applying for jobs. She was offered a home economics position with a major company in the Midwest. However, her mother pointed out the cost of living would be high. Curry-Story's academic dean, Theron Montgomery, asked about her plans after college. Curry-Story explained she wanted to work as a home economist. Montgomery happened to be a college friend of then-Anniston Office Manager Dick Adamson, and recommended Curry-Story for a job at Alabama Power. A few days later, Adamson showed up at Curry- Story's house with a job application. Curry-Story applied and was hired in March 1969, as a home service adviser. "I was floored that they sent me an application. If they hadn't told me about the job, I'd never have thought about it," Curry-Story said. "I had no idea Alabama Power had positions like that." After graduation, Curry-Story began work on June 2, demonstrating electric appliances at schools. Later, she worked with duct-design layout, electric heat pumps and water heaters. She learned to measure houses to calculate heating and cooling needs. "I was the first black home economist in Eastern Division," Curry-Story said. "Up until they hired me, that job was always held for white females. Two years later, they hired two more black employees. "The company was really kind to me," Curry-Story said. "I considered Alabama Power Company as my family. I was really pleased when my daughter applied and was selected." Curry-Story said she enjoyed a fulfilling career. After 32 years and five months, Curry-Story decided to retire. Her daughter, Starla Curry-Hilliard, applied for the job. At the time, Curry-Hilliard worked in Customer Service in Birmingham. "I didn't know she applied for my job and got an interview," Curry-Story said. "Starla told me, 'Mom, I wanted to do it on my own and not have you put in any words for me.'" Barbara had the joy of training Starla. "To me, it was a great legacy that she replaced me," Curry-Story said. "She'd been in and out of the power company since she was a tot. It was natural." Curry-Hilliard, now a market specialist at Corporate Headquarters, has worked for the company 23 years. Her mother is proud that Starla continued in her footsteps, in the job Curry-Story loved. "Maybe the legacy will continue, and one of Starla's boys will be hired," Curry-Story said, with a smile. "I was really happy with my job and didn't regret it one bit. I don't think I could have been happier anywhere else. It becomes like your family – that means a lot, when you've got people who work with you and look out for you." Curry-Story often tells people she has had a good story in life, despite the early hardships. She was married to her late husband, Henry, for 23 years, and has been married to Roger Story for five years. "I've learned to have a close connection with the Lord, and I'm thankful for everything," Curry- Story said. "I highly recommend Alabama Power to anyone. If you're willing to do what you were hired to do, you'll have a good career." FEBRUARY BLACK HISTORY MONTH 9 Curry-Story graduated from JSU and was hired at APC in 1969.

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