Senate Concurrent Resolution No. recognizes June 7th as the Battle of Milliken's Bend Day in Madison Parish, Louisiana. This resolution commemorates the significant historical event that took place in 1863, when Confederate forces attacked a Union encampment at Milliken's Bend, which was notable for the involvement of African American troops. The Union forces, primarily composed of formerly enslaved individuals, displayed remarkable bravery and skill during the battle, which was one of the first instances of African Americans fighting in the Civil War. Their valor not only influenced the course of the war but also encouraged the enlistment of thousands of African Americans into the Union Army.
The resolution highlights the impact of the battle on the perception of African American soldiers, as Major General Ulysses S. Grant praised their efforts, leading to increased recruitment and a significant contribution to the Union's eventual victory. By the end of the Civil War, nearly 180,000 African American men had served in the U.S. Army, with many sacrificing their lives for freedom. The resolution serves to honor the legacy of these courageous soldiers and acknowledges the battle's role in shaping the Civil War's outcome. A copy of the resolution will be sent to Alvin Bagby, founder of the Madison Parish African American Association.