ALBANY COUNTY — Almost a century ago, in 1926, Carter Woodson started the celebration of Negro History Week, which has evolved into Black History Month.

Known as the “Father of Black History,” Woodson was the son of former slaves, and “understood how important gaining a proper education is when striving to secure and make the most out of one’s divine right of freedom,” according to the association he founded.

Although he didn’t start his formal education until he was nearly 20, Woodson became the second African American to earn a Ph.D. at Harvard University.

The society Woodson founded in 1916, now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, sets a theme every year for Black History Month.

“The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis ….,” says the association. “Over the years, the themes reflect changes in how people of African descent in the United States have viewed themselves, the influence of social movements on racial ideologies, and the aspirations of the black community.”

This year’s theme is African Americans and Labor.

On Feb. 3, Albany County hosted a panel of experts on that topic, including:

—  Shana Davis, president of the Capital Region Civil Service Employees Association. Davis, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration, extends her union activism to area labor organizations, serving as president of the Capital District Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and board member of the Capital District Area Labor Federation, her biography says;

— Jasmine Higgins, a partner and chief operating officer at GLS, an Albany-based economic development and public affairs consulting company. She is daughter of John E. Higgins Esq., the namesake of the John E. Higgins Esq. New York State Bar Association Diversity Trailblazer Award; the great-granddaughter of one of Albany’s first Black attorneys, John W. Jennings Esq.; and the great-great-granddaughter of Albany activist Ida J. Yarbrough, her biography says;

— Troy Jackson, a senior at the University at Albany, majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance and management. President of the campus National Association of Black Accountants for two years, he writes on LinkedIn, “My team has worked diligently to enhance our organization, and while the growth has been steady and quiet, it is now loud and clear!”; and

— Crickett Thomas-O’Dell, the Capital Region director for Workforce Institute. Her profile says, “Working within a wide range of industries through meetings with unions, community-based organizations, businesses, and educational institutions, she has developed strong relationships and collaborates with a network of professionals who are dedicated to workforce development solutions with a focus on preparing youth, women and underserved communities for the workforce of today and tomorrow.”

The panel was moderated by Ainsley Higgins, the chief diversity officer for Hudson Valley Community college. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science and says on the HVCC website, “I recognize there are structural inequities within our communities and institutions. With the advent of social media, instances of excessive violence against people of color have brought enhanced awareness to this ongoing issue..” 

His office, Thomas says, “supports our brothers and sisters across all racial lines and gender expressions who are protesting peacefully and respectfully addressing the structural inequities in our criminal justice system, housing, education and systemic policies that are exclusive rather than inclusive.”

 “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,” said Carolyn McLaughlin in a release about the Feb. 3 event. McLaughlin chairs the Albany County Legislature’s Black Caucus.

“Their contributions, often overlooked,” she went on, “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.”