Albany County is both celebrating Black History Month and recognizing the struggles black Americans have faced with voting.

Black leaders joined Albany County Executive Dan McCoy on Thursday for a community conversation.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, giving women the right to vote. It's also been 150 years since the ratification of the 15th Amendment, guaranteeing all citizens the right to vote.

During the discussion, activists and lawmakers said that, while there's been progress, society hasn't come far enough. According to the Pew Research Center, black voter turnout declined sharply in the 2016 presidential election, with fewer than 60 percent of registered voters casting a ballot.

With 2020 being a Census year, the panel encouraged everyone, minorities in particular, to participate, as it helps determine the services a state is entitled to.