On May 2, 1863, Black Union soldiers fighting under General David Hunter faced deadly resistance in the South during early Civil War skirmishes. Hunter was one of the first Union generals to arm formerly enslaved men, defying orders and precedent. Though these early actions were met with controversy and the threat of Confederate reprisals, they marked a critical turning point in recognizing Black military service as legitimate and essential. The bravery shown by these early volunteers laid the groundwork for the eventual creation of the United States Colored Troops (USCT). Their sacrifice on this day was among the earliest in a broader campaign that saw nearly 200,000 Black soldiers fight for the Union. It also had global implications, showcasing the courage of Black men in battle and reinforcing abolitionist momentum worldwide.