After more than a century of welcoming only boys, the Sherman family is preparing for a historic arrival: a baby girl. Michael Sherman, 34, a lieutenant with the Montgomery Fire Department, and his wife, Joacquia Sherman, 32, are expecting their second child (a daughter) due March 11, 2026.
The news came as a joyful shock during a gender reveal that turned into a full-blown celebration.
“We didn’t think it was quite possible for us to even have a girl,” Joacquia told ABC News.
“I just knew if we had another child, it was going to be a boy, so I was very surprised.”
The couple’s 5-year-old son, Mekhai, is already preparing to take on the role of big brother.
“He’s definitely looking forward to meeting his new sister,” Michael said.
The last girl born into the Sherman family was Michael’s great-great aunt, Orah Belle Sherman, in 1917.
A trailblazer in the Civil Rights movement in Atlanta, Orah Belle left a legacy that the family now hopes to honor through the newest addition.
Michael recounted the moment he learned the news:
“I was just getting off shift that morning… I took the blindfold off and there’s a camera crew, and there’s family from all over the United States. It was a huge surprise on top of me finding out that it’s a girl.”
Joacquia, who works with the Transportation Security Administration, orchestrated the surprise with help from relatives.
“I just wanted it to be special for him because this is such a rare moment for our family,” she said.
The Shermans are now basking in the excitement of breaking a 108-year streak.
“It’s a blessing,” Michael said.
“After 100 years, to have this moment – it feels really special.”