The Albany County Legislative Black Caucus, the Albany County Legislature, and the Albany County Executive's Office, proudly hosted its annual celebration of Black History Month at the Albany County Office Building today.

Dozens of guests and an esteemed panel of speakers explored the 2025 Black History Month theme - African Americans and Labor. The panel discussion focused on the profound ways that work of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersected with the collective experiences of Black people in America and Capital District history. From agricultural labor of enslaved Africans, debates among Black educators on the importance of vocational training, self-help strategies and entrepreneurship in Black communities, or organized labor’s role fighting both economic and social injustice, Black people’s work has been transformational throughout the U.S. and African Diaspora. 

Speakers at this year's event included:

Moderator

• Ainsley Thomas – Hudson Valley Community College Chief Diversity Officer

Panelists

• Shana Davis - CSEA Capital Region President
• Troy Jackson - University at Albany Senior
• Crickett Thomas-O'Dell - Capital Region Director, Workforce Institute
• Jasmine Higgins - COO and Partner, GLS

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: “The ideal way to make change is to comprehend the tragedies and triumphs of the past. The context of history plus personal and collective experience guides decision making for community leaders. The contributions of African-Americans and their work – forced or otherwise – stretches back to the very founding of Albany County in the 1660s. Events like this one bring those experiences, both painful and progressive, to the front of mind.”

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: “As community leaders we lead all people. Not just who we like or who we get along with, but everyone. To effectively lead, you need to know the challenges and champions of groups of people. Events like this help give people who might not have the context or the experiences of people different than themselves a little bit of insight in to why groups make decisions, act, and react as they do.”

Albany County Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus Dr. Carolyn McLaughlin said: “As we reflect on the history of African Americans and labor, we are reminded of the resilience, ingenuity, and courage that Black workers have demonstrated throughout history. Their contributions, often overlooked, have shaped not only the economic landscape but the very fabric of our society. It is essential that we honor and uplift these stories, ensuring that future generations understand the pivotal role that African Americans have played in the labor movement and continue to strive for equity, justice, and opportunity in all fields of work.”

Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: “African-Americans have played a vital role in shaping Albany County’s workforce and economy for generations. This event–and the insightful discussion from our panelists–gives us an opportunity to reflect on the painful history of enslavement, segregation, and racism, recognize the challenges that still exist, and continue working toward greater equity for all residents.”