0:00:05 18 sec
Procedure
Staff opens hearing and gives housekeeping instructions
Council staff opens the hearing, welcomes attendees, and reminds everyone to silence electronic devices and not approach the dais.
New York City Council
Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations
A study and report on the potential installation of works of art or structures to acknowledge the draft riots of 1863
Jul 16, 2026 · 10:30 AM · 9 min 57 sec
Hearing Vote
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and jump into the video at the segment start.
0:00:23 42 sec
Remarks
Chair Williams introduces two agenda items: Draft Riots study bill and Fat Man Scoop resolution
Chair Nantasha Williams introduces the committee's two agenda items: Proposed Intro 496A on a study for public art acknowledging the 1863 Draft Riots, and Resolution 371 sponsored by Councilmember Yusef Salaam declaring August 6 as Fat Man Scoop Recognition Day.
0:01:05 46 sec
Remarks
Chair Williams on the historical origins of the 1863 Draft Riots
Chair Williams explains the origins of the 1863 Draft Riots, including the first federal military draft, long-simmering racial tensions, and fears among working-class Northerners about emancipated slaves competing for jobs.
0:01:51 28 sec
Remarks
Chair Williams on the violence against Black New Yorkers during the Draft Riots
Chair Williams describes how rioters terrorized the city's African-American population for four days, beating and murdering civilians and destroying property, with an official death toll of 119 and possibly more.
0:02:18 2 min 33 sec
Remarks
Chair Williams on the purpose of the Draft Riots memorial study bill
Chair Williams explains that Intro 496A would bring together community voices, historians, and experts to determine how public art can honor victims and educate future generations, and asks colleagues to support the bill.
0:04:51 1 min 22 sec
Procedure
Audio check for Councilmember Stevens before remarks resume
Rafael Perez conducts an audio test for Councilmember Stevens, confirming she can be heard before the meeting continues.
0:06:13 51 sec
Remarks
Councilmember Yusef Salaam on Fat Man Scoop's Harlem roots and personal significance
Councilmember Yusef Salaam introduces Resolution 371, describing it as deeply personal. He recounts Fat Man Scoop's Harlem roots, his education at Cardinal Hayes and NYIT, and his unmistakable voice and energy.
0:07:04 24 sec
Remarks
Salaam on Fat Man Scoop's music career and collaborations
Salaam highlights Fat Man Scoop's genre-crossing career spanning house, R&B, hip-hop, EDM, and pop, including a Grammy, a decade on Hot 97, and collaborations with Missy Elliott, Ciara, Mariah Carey, Timbaland, and Snoop.
0:07:28 31 sec
Remarks
Salaam on his personal friendship with Fat Man Scoop
Salaam shares that Fat Man Scoop was his friend who showed up unasked to perform at his inauguration, making the day unforgettable. He recalls Isaac Freeman's generosity and energy.
0:07:58 48 sec
Remarks
Salaam on Fat Man Scoop's passing and the August 6 recognition resolution
Salaam recounts Fat Man Scoop's death on August 30, 2024 at age 56 while performing on stage, and explains that the resolution designates August 6, his birthday, as an annual day of recognition in New York City.
0:08:47 24 sec
Procedure
Chair Williams thanks staff and calls for the vote
Chair Williams thanks Salaam, recalls attending his inauguration where Fat Man Scoop performed, acknowledges committee staff Alejandro, Regina, and Carolina, and calls the clerk for the vote.
0:09:10 35 sec
ROLL CALL
Roll call vote on Draft Riots bill and Fat Man Scoop resolution
Committee Clerk William Martin conducts a roll call vote on both coupled items. Chair Williams, Councilmembers Louis, Hudson, Ossé, Stevens, and Maloney each vote aye.
0:09:46 11 sec
VOTE OUTCOME
Both items approved 7-0 by full committee
Clerk William Martin announces both items passed with a vote of 7 in the affirmative, 0 in the negative, with no abstentions, as a full committee. Chair Williams concludes the hearing.