The statue of Robert Smalls will stand at the South Carolina Statehouse, symbolizing the fight for civil rights.
The Robert Smalls Monument Commission has approved a statue to honor Robert Smalls at the South Carolina Statehouse. This monument symbolizes the fight for civil rights and reflects South Carolina’s historical evolution. To be located strategically facing a controversial figure’s monument, this statue captures Smalls in a tuxedo, celebrating his legacy as a congressman and civil rights advocate, while aims to educate future generations about his contributions to equality and freedom.
In a milestone moment for South Carolina, the Robert Smalls Monument Commission has cheerfully given the green light for a statue of the remarkable Robert Smalls to be erected at the South Carolina Statehouse. This heartfelt decision comes as part of the ongoing efforts to *honor the rich legacy of civil rights* and reflect upon the state’s historical landscape.
Placed strategically to face a monument dedicated to one of South Carolina’s more controversial figures, Ben Tillman, the statue of Robert Smalls symbolizes the *tireless fight for equality* that Smalls represented. This positioning is particularly significant, as it highlights the stark contrast between Smalls’ dedication to civil rights and Tillman’s known white supremacist views.
The statue will proudly depict Smalls in a handsome tuxedo, capturing the essence of his role as a U.S. Congressman during his most influential years. Crafted by the talented sculptor Basil Watson, the design ensures that it complements other memorials adorning the Statehouse, including notable figures such as George Washington and Strom Thurmond.
For those who may not be familiar, Robert Smalls was born into slavery in Beaufort, South Carolina, but he found a *heroic path to freedom during the Civil War*. In May 1862, Smalls made a daring move by commandeering a Confederate ship, the Planter, escaping with his family and a group of other enslaved individuals. His courage and leadership transformed him into a national hero.
After the Civil War, he continued to serve his community, becoming a representative in both the South Carolina House and Senate, eventually earning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. His role during the Reconstruction era was pivotal in *expanding civil rights* and promoting educational opportunities for all, making him an inspiring figure in history.
The statue will be located along a bustling walkway often frequented by school groups visiting the Statehouse, providing a *wonderful opportunity for education* about Smalls’ life and achievements. This site will serve as an excellent place for students and visitors alike to learn about the values he stood for and the legacy he left behind.
The enthusiastic response from key figures in this project, like State Representatives Brandon Cox and Jermaine Johnson, showcases the *emotional weight of this moment*. The decision was met with applause as it marks a significant step in recognizing the contributions of Black individuals in South Carolina’s history. The base of the monument will include important details about Smalls’ life and a powerful quote from him expressing his opposition to the disenfranchisement of Black citizens back in 1895.
As the project moves forward, the next logical steps include seeking approval from the General Assembly and kick-starting fundraising efforts projected to reach millions of dollars to properly fund the making of this monument. It’s exciting to note that this statue will represent the very first individual Black person commemorated on the Statehouse grounds, setting it apart from existing monuments that have traditionally overlooked specific figures in Black history.
The design of the statue was selected after a careful narrowing down process from multiple proposals submitted by several artists, with Watson’s traditional approach winning hearts due to its resemblance to the other statues already present. Smalls was not just a symbol; he was a proactive advocate for education and equal rights, significantly contributing to the drafting of South Carolina’s 1868 constitution, which originally opened doors for voting rights and education for Black men.
As Smalls’ statue stands proudly facing Tillman’s monument, it elegantly symbolizes the shifting tides of history. While Tillman played a troubling role in reshaping the constitution in 1895, effectively stripping away many rights that Smalls fought so ardently for, Smalls’ legacy will now be more visible than ever.
In what has been seen as a challenging yet worthwhile effort to find the perfect location for the statue, the commission succeeded in finding a spot just after the removal of a dead tree, solidifying a prominent position that will undoubtedly catch the eye of visitors entering the Statehouse. The journey to remembrance is steadily advancing, and Robert Smalls’ influence continues to be felt in Columbia!
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