Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations meeting
July 16, 2026, 10:30 AM
VOTE*
The Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations held hearings on Int 0496, a bill calling for a study on installing artwork to acknowledge the 1863 draft riots, and Res 0371, which would declare August 6 as Fatman Scoop Recognition Day. A resolution to name January as Muslim-American Heritage Month (Res 0187) was also on the agenda.
What was discussed
- Deputy Speaker Williams frames Int 496-A as acknowledging the 1863 Draft Riots Explaining her vote, Deputy Speaker Nantasha M. Williams described Int 496-A as a step toward acknowledging “one of the darkest chapters” of the city's history — the racial violence of the 1863 Draft Riots against Black New Yorkers — for which, she said, there is no formal acknowledgement in the
- Council Members Salaam and Louis honor Fatman Scoop with Res 371 Ahead of the resolutions vote, Council Member Yusef Salaam, the sponsor, and Council Member Farah N. Louis paid tribute to Harlem artist Isaac “Fatman Scoop” Freeman III; Res 371 declares August 6 annually as Fatman Scoop Recognition Day in the city.
- Council adopts Int 496-A and the day's resolutions Int 496-A was amended and coupled onto the General Order calendar and adopted 49 to 0. The day's resolutions, including Res 371 (Fatman Scoop Recognition Day), were then adopted by voice vote; Res 187, declaring July as Muslim-American Heritage Month, was also on the committee's agenda.
Agenda
3 items
- Int 0496-2026 A Local Law in relation to a study and report on the potential installation of works of art or structures to acknowledge the draft riots of 1863 Approved by Committee
- Res 0371-2026 Resolution declaring August 6 annually as Fatman Scoop Recognition Day in the City of New York and celebrating the signature style that he brought to every musical collaboration and the inimitable energy he brought to every audience Approved by Committee
- Res 0187-2026 Resolution declaring July annually as Muslim-American Heritage Month in the City of New York to celebrate the culture and history of Muslim Americans and their contributions to New York City communities