WSB announced today that Monica Pearson will retire in July after 37 years with the station.

Pearson, who joined the Atlanta ABC-affiliate in 1975, was Atlanta’s first woman and first minority to anchor the 6 p.m. newscast, according to WSB. She said her hire took a “great deal of courage” from WSB station management.

“With that one hire they broke the color and gender barrier in local news in a major Southern city,” Pearson said in a statement. “I worked hard to repay that support every day and night over these 37 years.”

“In this metropolitan area, when you say ‘Monica’ people know exactly who you are talking about,” WSB vice president and general manager Tim McVay said. “She lights up the camera and warms up the room.”

After Pearson’s last day on July 25, 5 and 11 p.m. anchor Jovita Moore will also anchor the 4 and 6 p.m. newscast. The station says they will take some time to decide “who will take on which shows.”