Judges and staff in the Rochester region's justice system are celebrating local trailblazers as Black History Month nears an end.

Members of the 7th Judicial District gathered at the Monroe County Hall of Justice in Rochester on Wednesday.

They recognized the history and contributions made by Black professionals in the area's workforce.

They also hosted a roundtable to discuss the future of Black pioneers and how to increase equity and inclusion in labor.

"We are public servants," said Fatimat Reid, acting New York state Supreme Court justice and 7th Judicial District Family Court judge. "And so we are not only here just to make rulings that impact our community, but we want to be part of our community, which many of us are. And so it's important for us to have these courageous conversations with our community members and for us to all learn in fellowship together."