Meet Albert Richards

Today we’d like to introduce you to Albert Richards.

Hi Albert, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in the 1950s and 1960s. During that time in American history, Blacks were not allowed to walk into a store, try on clothes and, sometimes, we couldn’t even touch the items that we were buying. From 1st to 9th grade, I attended a segregated school. Teachers would select the children who had potential to go to college. They would carry on with the education process for the Black, or colored, children. Unfortunately, I was not one of the special or chosen children. My options after school were farming, janitorial, restaurants and/or the military. In 1971, I graduated from an integrated high school. Upon graduation from high school, I worked as an orderly in a nursing home, several carpet mills and as a cook in a restaurant. While cooking one day, the local police chief asked if I would be interested in becoming a police office after my 21st birthday. And, what do you know, a few weeks later, I was at the Georgia Police Academy being trained by state troopers. There were two Blacks in the class of 29, myself and one female. We were shown video of previous classes, the most embarrassing class shown had people breaking the law. The acts were so egregious. They showed videos of Blacks in embarrassing situations. While the whole class found the video to be quite amusing, the young lady and myself were the only two not laughing. When I returned to Cartersville, I was one of three Black officers on the squad.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While working as a police officer, my fellow officers did not hide their open hatred and bigotry. At that time, Blacks were referred to as niggers openly. One day, I found out that my pay was less than the others rookies. When I approached the chief about it, he responded with “that’s just the way it is.” There was no one to go to for help or justice. Once I realized that I started taking college courses, one or two a year or as much as I could afford.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
With enough college credits, I earned a B.S. in Business Administration. Then I could apply for supervisory and management positions. The pay was outstanding until I was laid off after September 11. With no job or prospects, I started selling pots and pans, cemetery plots and insurance, door to door.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
At some point, I started working for a troubled boys retreat, I came across a help wanted ad looking for a Deputy Sheriff in Rome, Georgia. Less than three weeks later, I was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff. I worked for Floyd Sheriff Department for 18 years before retiring. While working there, I found friends that I would cherish for a lifetime; though the bigotry and hatred with a whole new generation of law enforcement still survives. Now, fully in retirement, I manage Pranksters Trick Shop, it is a hobby that I’ve had for 38 years. For years, I would work the flea markets and any other building I could rent. My shop is located at 1010 North Tennessee Street. We sell comic books, magic, gags, and costumes year round. Owning the trick shop has always been a dream of mine. Recently, another dream came true… I wrote and published my first book, The Loss of Innocence, ISBN 979-8497920895.

Contact Info:

• Email: albrichards22@gmail.com

Image Credits
The Loss of Innocence (myshape.solutions publishing)