Charleston’s State Rep. Wendell Gilliard Joins Commission for Proposed Robert Smalls Statue

Charleston’s State Rep. Wendell Gilliard Joins Commission for Proposed Robert Smalls Statue

Big news straight out from Charleston! The well-loved State Rep. Wendell Gilliard has been chosen for a special role overseeing the creation of a proposed statue. The statue, set to honor historical figure Robert Smalls, will be placed at a prime spot on the Statehouse grounds. This fantastic appointment came from none other than the South Carolina House Speaker himself, Murrell Smith. Gilliard just announced his appointment to serve on the Robert Smalls Monument Commission this Monday, so everything’s still fresh!

Gilliard’s Exciting New Role

You must be wondering what’s special about this commission. Well, it’s got a crucial job: to take care of the nitty-gritty details for the statue. Yes, they will design the monument, figure out the perfect spot for it at the Statehouse, and even raise funds to get it all done. “My fellow members of the commission and I look forward to the challenge of designing and raising funds for the statue and choosing the best spot for it,” Gilliard expressed.

But the most important part, he adds: “Most of all, we wish to honor him [Robert Smalls] in the way that he deserves for his contributions over the course of his life.”

A Historic Moment in Making

For those unfamiliar with the name, Robert Smalls was actually born a slave in Beaufort. His life took a dramatic turn when he was sent to Charleston to work on the CSS Planter, steamboat chartered by the Confederate Army. Smalls, with his daring spirit, managed to steal the ship and surrendered it to Union soldiers. This act swung the balance of the Civil War in favor of the Union. Post-war, he turned into a political leader, serving in the state legislature, and eventually, five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Being the first individual Black South Carolinian to be honored on the Statehouse grounds, the statue is indeed historical. Gilliard is proud of the distinction and says it means “so very much” to him.

What’s Next?

Now for the next steps. The 11-member commission needs to present the design and location proposal to the joint State House Committee. The target date for this is not too far away, as the proposal needs to be in by January 15, 2025. So Gilliard and team are already fast on their tracks to making history. The journey awaits us!