The State Commission on African American History held a community listening session Thursday night in Yonkers.

The commission held its first public hearing as it works to promote a greater understanding of the experiences and achievements of African Americans in New York.

The event took place at Philipse Manor Hall, a place that has a troubling history of slavery in the state.

The commission's ultimate goal is to hold discussions with people to help shape policies, guide budget decisions and find other ways to recognize local African American History.

New York Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez said the work is even more important at a time when other states are trying to erase Black history in America.

"There's so much that has been experienced and the rich history and the contributions of African Americans over time and continue to happen over time and that those are things that we can and sure talk about," Rodriguez said.

The state Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department also presented its "Our Whole History" initiative. It's a program designed to highlight the stories of people and landmarks that have been historically under represented around the state.

The committee will be in Buffalo to hold another public hearing in June around the commemoration of Juneteenth.