New York State Commission on African American History

On March 9, 2022, Governor Hochul signed an Executive Order to create the New York State Commission on African American History.

The Commission serves to highlight contributions by Africans and African Americans to our country and to New York State. The Commission will partner with community-based organizations to bring New Yorkers together through events, cultural programming, scholarly research, and other activities that promote a greater understanding of the history and achievements of African Americans throughout the State.

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We Want to Hear from You

Share your questions, thoughts, ideas, and solutions with the New York State Commission on African American History.

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Upcoming meetings and events

New York State Commission on African American History: Black Military Service and Contributions throughout New York's History

Apr 18, 2024
12:00 PM — 1:00 PM
Virtual

2024 Fort Ontario Conference – The Black Military Experience in America

Apr 27, 2024
8:30 AM — 5:00 PM
Lake Ontario Event & Conference Center, Best Western Hotel, 26 East 1st St., Oswego, NY 13126

Slavery in New Netherland and the Dutch Atlantic World

May 03, 2024 — May 04, 2024
9:00 AM — 5:00 PM
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Langston Hughes Auditorium, 515 Malcolm X Blvd, Harlem, NY and New-York Historical Society, Robert H. Smith Auditorium, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY

John Brown Day 2024

May 11, 2024
2:00 PM — 4:00 PM
John Brown Farm State Historic Site, 115 John Brown Road, Lake Placid, NY 12946

The Commission

Members of the New York State Commission on African American History include historians with a background in African American history, arts or culture.

Meet the Commission Meetings and Events

Explore African American History in New York State

Abolitionists and African American History

African American history in New York state is a tale of perseverance, creativity and community.

Underground Railroad in New York

Travel the paths taken by freedom seekers and visit landmarks that celebrate the history and heroes that guided them.

More Resources on African American History

Learn more about the contributions made by African Americans that shaped New York State and American history.

Commission Resources

Executive Order News

What People Are Saying

Governor

Kathy Hochul

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For every reminder of the pivotal role New York has played in the fight for civil rights, there is another, more painful reminder of why that fight was necessary in the first place. We must recognize and acknowledge shameful chapters in our state's past, ensure New Yorkers have a better understanding of our history, and fight racism and bigotry in all forms.

Kathy Hochul

Representative

Sean Patrick Maloney

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As we celebrate the resiliency and excellence of Black America, it is critical to look back at our history honestly, even the darkest chapters, and address the legacy of racism against Black Americans as we fight for a more just nation.

Sean Patrick Maloney

State Senator

Leroy Comrie

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I welcome Governor Hochul's distinguished New York State Commission on African American History appointments. When I authored the legislation establishing this Commission, I envisioned a collection of civically engaged New Yorkers passionate about uplifting African American history.

Leroy Comrie

Assemblymember

Taylor Darling

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This bill is one of the most important bills I have ever had the honor to sponsor in the New York State Assembly. As we get closer to finalizing the members of the New York State Commission on African American History-we are closer to doing what is right and long overdue. African American history is American history and glossing over it will ensure that this amazing State never reaches its full potential.

Taylor Darling