Beaufort, South Carolina Prepares to Honor Robert Smalls with a Statue
Beaufort, S.C. is buzzing with excitement as the state gears up to create its first individual statue honoring an African American figure at the Statehouse lawn. The spotlight is shining on Robert Smalls, a true hero who orchestrated a dramatic escape from slavery during the Civil War. And let me tell you, this isn’t just any ordinary story of courage; this man wore Confederate clothing to steal a ship and sail his family and others to freedom. What an incredible tale!
A Legacy of Bravery and Leadership
But Robert Smalls’ contributions didn’t end there. He invested a decade serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and played a pivotal role in reshaping South Carolina’s constitution to ensure equality for Black men post-Civil War. Sadly, Smalls faced fierce opposition and witnessed the hard-fought gains for African Americans slipping away as racists regained control. This year, the call to honor his legacy has finally gained traction.
Bringing a Hero to Light
Representative Jermaine Johnson, who eagerly anticipates taking his children to the Statehouse to see someone who looks like them being celebrated, expressed it beautifully: “The man has done so many great things, it’s just a travesty he has not been honored until now.” Johnson believes it’s high time that a film spotlighting Smalls’ remarkable life graces Hollywood.
A Statue in Sight
The idea of a statue in recognition of Smalls has been brewing for several years, hiding in the shadows due to opposition that kept it from gaining any momentum. But that changed this year as the proposal cleared through the state House and Senate unanimously, led by Republican Rep. Brandon Cox. “South Carolina is a great state. We’ve got a lot of history, good and bad. This is our good history,” said Cox.
What Will It Look Like?
While a committee has been put together to design the statue, the pressing question remains: how do we best honor Robert Smalls? Do we focus on his daring escape? Or perhaps his influential career as a statesman? He famously bought the home of his former enslaver, offering support to the man’s widow when she was left without means. There’s also the Smalls who stood up for education and fought to protect the rights of African Americans until they were systematically stripped away.
Multiple Faces of a Hero
Some, like Rep. Chip Campsen, think all of these aspects should come together to tell a full story. “The best way to sum up Robert Smalls’ life is it was a fight for freedom as a slave, as a pilot and as a statesman,” he said passionately.
Setting the Scene
The location for the statue poses another intriguing discussion. South Carolina has various monuments celebrating the history of African Americans, but strangely, there hasn’t been a single individual Black figure honored among them. Instead, the current monuments lean towards honoring figures that supported the institution of slavery. It would be poetic justice if Smalls’ statue stood prominently alongside these monuments, reminding visitors of a different but equally important piece of history.
Getting It Right
Once the committee settles on a design and location, the hope is that raising funds for the statue will become easier with a solid concept in place. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey stressed the importance of getting the narrative just right. “This is going to tell a story. I think it is important we tell that the right way to honor him and to honor South Carolina. I think it’s really cool,” he remarked.
Smalls’ Life and Legacy
Born in 1839 in Beaufort, Robert Smalls lived until 1915, leaving behind a legacy that remained largely unrecognized for too long. Many are hoping this statue will help shine a light on his incredible life journey—one that many others, including young African Americans, can draw inspiration from.
A Hopeful Future
As Chris Barr, Chief of Interpretation for the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park, pointed out, for those like Smalls, skilled at operating the Confederate boats, freedom was just within reach, waiting to be grasped amid the tumultuous waters. “You can literally see freedom floating in the form of the United States Navy just a few miles offshore. All you need is an opportunity,” Barr reflected.
With this upcoming statue, South Carolina has a chance to finally honor a giant of the past, ensuring that Robert Smalls’ incredible story of bravery and determination is told for generations to come.
