Additional Coverage:
- South Carolina to build state’s first individual monument honoring an African American (nbcnews.com)
South Carolina to Honor Robert Smalls with Monument
South Carolina is preparing to install a statue of Robert Smalls, an African American hero who escaped slavery and became a prominent figure in the state’s history.
Smalls is known for his daring escape in 1862, when he stole a Confederate ship and sailed his family and others to freedom. However, he also had a significant political career, serving in the South Carolina legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.
The statue will be the first individual monument for an African American on the Statehouse lawn. Supporters are facing the challenge of deciding how best to honor Smalls’ multifaceted legacy.
Location and Design Considerations
The statue’s placement on the Statehouse lawn is important, given the presence of other monuments honoring controversial figures like Dr. J.
Marion Sims and Confederate leaders. Some suggest that Smalls’ statue should be taller and more prominent than the Tillman monument, which commemorates a white supremacist who led the disenfranchisement of Black voters.
Smalls’ Enduring Legacy
Robert Smalls’ life exemplifies the resilience and determination of African Americans during and after slavery. His escape to freedom inspired countless others, and his political activism helped to shape South Carolina’s future.
The statue of Smalls will serve as a reminder of his contributions and the ongoing struggle for equality. By honoring Smalls, South Carolina is taking a step towards acknowledging and celebrating the full history of its state.