South Carolina Forms Commission for Robert Smalls monument

South Carolina Forms Commission for Robert Smalls monument

Alright, folks, for those of you who’ve been eagerly following the story of a new monument slated to grace Charleston, here’s the latest scoop for you.
South Carolina governor, Henry McMaster, is expected to ink a bill on August 29 that’ll launch an 11-member legislative commission. This team, named the ‘Robert Smalls Monument Commission’, will be entrusted with the job of setting up a monument dedicated to the Civil War hero and post-war legislator, Robert Smalls, directly on the Statehouse grounds.

The Robert Smalls Monument Commission

The fresh Robert Smalls Monument Commission is predicted to convene their first brainstorming session come August 28. Their major agenda for this meeting? To kick-off the process of placing a statue in honor of the native of Beaufort on the Statehouse grounds. News from the grapevine is that ten legislative members from the South Carolina General Assembly have been named to be part of this commission.

A First of Its Kind

If it happens, folks, let me tell you, this will be the first time that an individual monument will be erected for an African American at the state’s capitol complex. Back in May, the state commemorated its pioneer Robert Smalls Day as a tribute to this very hero of the Civil War and legislator of the Reconstruction era.

The Bill and Its Backers

Introducing the bill was S.C. Rep. Brandon Cox, a Republican from Berkeley, who called on for creating the 11-member team. The South Carolina Department of Administration’s head honcho or a designated person they entrust will lead the commission. With no dissenting voices, the bill received a unanimous approval during the most recent legislative session.

Amidst the pack of bipartisan commission members, Cox is one of four legislators from the tri-county. Cox was very modest about this bipartisan bill passing, saying it was a core team effort. His enthusiasm for the project was such that he even admitted to being moved to tears when the bill passed and being named to the team.

The Future of the Monument

The responsibility now lies with the newly formed commission to pool funds for the monument, finalize a design, and pinpoint a location for it by January 15, 2025. After the installation of the monument, it will be the second African American history memorial placed at the capitol.

Scope for Improvements

This was a major step forward in recognizing the achievements of African Americans in the state of South Carolina. However, it’s still essential to note that all stand-alone monuments, markers, and statues commemorating specific South Carolinians around the 22-acre site of the Statehouse currently honor white men.

So, here’s to the great Robert Smalls and to all those who’ve worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this project to fruition. His story is one that should survive all of us and future generations should be aware of his legacy and his role in becoming one of the greatest American heroes.