The Battle of Milliken’s Bend, fought June 7, 1863, will be the subject of ranger-led talks Saturday at the Vicksburg National Military Park.

David Slay will speak on the battle and its importance in the larger context of the Civil War and its place in civil rights history in two sessions, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the African-American monument on the tour road.

Slay will recount how black troops faced their first real tests in several battles during the summer of 1863. With the help of Union naval forces, African-American soldiers drove Confederates from the field in the Milliken’s Bend skirmish.

The African American Monument is on the south side of Grant Avenue between mileposts 4.3 and 4.4. The City of Vicksburg contributed $25,000 toward its $300,000 cost. The sculpture is the work of Brookhaven resident Dr. Kim Sessums.

Nearly 200,000 black soldiers saw service on both sides of the fight.

Admission to the VNMP is $8 per car. For more information, call 601-636-0583.