In honor of Black History Month, Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, deputy leader, recognized the 150th anniversary of the first African-American troops from New York to fight in the American Civil War. At the ceremony, Williams announced the introduction of a resolution to designate the month of February as New York Regiment United States Colored Troops (USCT) Month. Additionally, Williams presented a proclamation to the 26th USCT Historical Interpreters, a Civil War re-enactment group that includes descendants of those New Yorkers who fought in the Civil War. According to the National Park Service, approximately 200,000 free African-Americans enlisted in the USCT, which comprised 175 regiments from various states across the country, including New York, where 4,125 men served in the 20th, 26th and 31st regiments.