Today in Black History 7/17 Congress Approves African Americans to Bear Arms To Fight in The Civil War 38,000 Die

 Congress approves the rights of African Americans to bear

        arms to fight in the Civil War and enlist in the Union Army

        by passing two laws, the Confiscation and Militia acts.

        Over 208,000 African Americans and their white officers

        will serve in the Union Army, with 38,000 losing their

        lives.