During a recent government meeting, President Pro Tem Parks presented a resolution honoring Mamie Leslie Truesdale for her significant contributions to the City of Cincinnati. Parks, who grew up in the same neighborhood as Truesdale, expressed personal admiration for her as a role model during his childhood.

Born on December 29, 1929, Truesdale made history as Cincinnati City Hall's first Black telephone operator, beginning her service on May 28, 1968. Parks highlighted the importance of this milestone, noting that it occurred within living memory and underscoring the progress made in civil rights. Truesdale and her fellow operators managed an impressive volume of calls—averaging 22,100 per day—during a time when technology was far less advanced.

Throughout her career, Truesdale faced challenges, including discrimination from coworkers, but she remained resilient, stating, \"they cannot say anything or do anything to discourage me.\" Her dedication to her role led her to work overnight shifts and eventually serve as chief operator from 1979 to 1980.

In addition to her professional achievements, Truesdale was actively involved in her community, participating in various organizations, including the Eastern Star and the Grama chapter. She was also recognized for her talents as an artist and designer.

The resolution concluded with a formal recognition of Truesdale's commitment to public service and her lasting impact on the Cincinnati community, celebrating her legacy as a trailblazer in public service.