South Carolina is set to honor Robert Smalls, a Civil War hero and legislator, with its first individual statue of an African American on the Statehouse lawn. Smalls made history by stealing a Confederate ship and navigating it to freedom with his family and others, a daring act that cemented his legacy. His contributions didn't stop there. After the war, he became a U.S. Congressman and helped shape South Carolina's constitution to promote equality for Black citizens. Representative Jermaine Johnson expressed excitement for this overdue recognition: "It's just a travesty he has not been honored until now."
Efforts to memorialize Smalls were long hindered by quiet resistance. But in 2024, a proposal spearheaded by Republican Representative Brandon Cox passed unanimously, bringing Smalls' story to the forefront. Cox acknowledged the state's complex history, calling Smalls' legacy a part of South Carolina's "good history." The statue's design, funding, and placement on the Statehouse lawn are still under consideration, with plans to finalize details by January.
The challenge is choosing how best to represent Smalls' multifaceted life. Options include honoring him as the audacious ship pilot, the resilient legislator, or the advocate for education and civil rights. Representative Chip Campsen, a Republican and fellow pilot, suggests a memorial that encapsulates Smalls' roles as "a slave, as a pilot, and as a statesman," emphasizing his lifelong fight for freedom.
The memorial's location also holds significance. Current monuments on the Statehouse lawn, many of which honor Confederates or controversial figures like Senator Ben Tillman, lack any individual Black representation. Some propose that Smalls' statue should stand taller than these other statues, symbolizing his legacy and the progress he fought for.
As Chief Interpreter Chris Barr from the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park notes, Smalls' life epitomizes the pursuit of freedom. His escape, said Barr, was a pivotal moment: "You can literally see freedom floating… All you need is an opportunity." Smalls' story, finally receiving the recognition it deserves, will be a lasting testament to his indomitable spirit.
Link: NBC News
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