S.C. Forms the Smalls Monument Commission
We’ve got some big news from the Palmetto State. An exciting new commission has been established, dedicated to paying homage to Robert Smalls, a true hero of the Civil War and an influential legislator during the Reconstruction era.
Our Governor, Henry McMaster, is set to sign a bill on August 29. This will set into motion the creation of an 11-person commission designated to erect a monument honoring Robert Smalls right on Statehouse grounds.
Get To Know Robert Smalls
To provide some context, Robert Smalls was born in Beaufort and was a former enslaved man who later became a key player in both state and federal politics. But back in 1862, while still enslaved, Smalls became a true folk hero when he hijacked a Confederate ship called the Planter and handed it over to the Union Navy. This courageous act was a turning point in his life and led him onto a path of success and fame.
After his heroic act, Smalls stepped into the political arena, serving in both houses of the South Carolina General Assembly before being elected to serve five terms in the U.S. Congress. Quite an inspiring journey!
Why This Commission Matters
Setting up this commission is not just about putting up a statue. It’s about recognizing and honoring the contributions of African Americans to the state’s history. Currently, there isn’t a single monument for an individual Black person at the state’s capitol complex. Therefore, this decision to establish the Robert Smalls Monument Commission marks an important move towards representation and inclusion.
Who’s on the Commission?
The commission features ten members from the S.C. General Assembly. One of them is S.C. Rep. Brandon Cox who introduced the bill to create the commission. It seems like the whole team is genuinely excited about this project. Cox confessed he was brought to tears when the legislation passed – that’s how much this monument means to many people here.
A Glimpse into the Future
What’s next? The commission is planning to have their first meeting on August 28. Their goal is not just raising money for the monument, but determining the design and location as well. They have a deadline to propose these details by January 15, 2025.
This endeavor is a major deal for us in South Carolina and indeed for the nation as a whole. The Robert Smalls monument will serve as a reminder of the crucial role African Americans have played throughout history, an acknowledgment we desperately need in America today. In short, it’s a major step towards creating a more inclusive and representative historical narrative for future generations to appreciate.
Isn’t it awesome to envision a future where our Statehouse grounds include a monument that honors a courageous, inspiring African American legend like Robert Smalls? We definitely think so!
