COLUMBIA, S.C. — A commission tasked with determining the location of South Carolina’s first monument honoring an individual African American has proposed that the statue of Robert Smalls be positioned directly across from a controversial figure known for his white supremacist actions, who undermined much of Smalls’ legacy post-Civil War.
The statue is intended to be placed along the walkway frequently used by schoolchildren on field trips to the Statehouse, with supporters hoping this will foster important discussions about Smalls, who led a remarkable life as an advocate for equality.
Robert Smalls was born into slavery and made headlines during the Civil War when he commandeered a Confederate ship, successfully ferrying himself, his family, and several other enslaved individuals to safety. He later spent a decade representing South Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives and played a key role in reforming the state’s constitution to ensure that Black men had equal rights. Sadly, he witnessed a troubling reversal of progress as racists regained power and obliterated many of the advancements he had fought for.
The proposal, which received unanimous approval from the Robert Smalls Monument Commission, now proceeds to the General Assembly as efforts are initiated to fund the statue. Backers aspire for Smalls’ monument to join the ranks of over two dozen memorials that mostly celebrate Confederates and individuals associated with racism on the grounds of the historic capitol, which has been in place for more than two centuries.
After the unanimous vote, one of the bill’s sponsors, Republican Rep. Brandon Cox, alongside Democratic Rep. Jermaine Johnson—an early and passionate advocate for the monument—visited the statue’s proposed location. Their moment of camaraderie, filled with emotion as they embraced each other, highlighted the historical significance of their collaboration.
“Together, we’re making history as a community that spans racial and political lines,” Johnson remarked.
The life of Robert Smalls, born in 1839 and passing away in 1915, represents a triumph against the backdrop of a society that marginalized African Americans. Despite his extraordinary contributions, Smalls faced neglect from a society determined to maintain white superiority.
In May 1862, during the height of the Civil War, Smalls displayed remarkable bravery by disguising himself in a Confederate uniform to navigate past military checkpoints, ultimately surrendering the ship to Union forces and liberating himself and others on board. He would go on to assist the Union throughout the war and later hold several legislative positions, including a tenure in the U.S. House, where he advocated for African American rights. Smalls notably purchased the home of his former owner using funds from his wartime endeavors, demonstrating his rise from bondage.
However, the political tide shifted when a new state constitution in 1895, orchestrated by “Pitchfork” Ben Tillman, stripped African Americans of their voting rights, reversing many of the gains Smalls had achieved. Tillman, a governor and senator notorious for his violent tactics against those seeking to vote, symbolizes the systemic racism Smalls fought against. The planned Smalls statue will symbolize his enduring legacy while facing the direction of Tillman, approximately the length of a football field away.
Although some advocacy groups seek to remove statues honoring Confederates and figures like Tillman, state legislation complicates such efforts, as it mandates legislative approval for alterations to monuments or additional context regarding their history, a task that has proven challenging in the currently conservative-dominated state government.
The proposed statue, designed by sculptor Basil Watson, will depict Smalls in a tuxedo representing his influence as a congressman and was selected over a more complex concept featuring multiple representations of him. This singular representation aligns with existing statues at the Statehouse that commemorate influential historical figures, including segregationist U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond and other prominent leaders.
Mike Shealy, chair of the Robert Smalls Monument Commission, expressed that the simplicity of a single figure on a pedestal will establish Smalls as an equal to the other commemorated figures in the area. The monument’s design will facilitate fundraising initiatives, as supporters recognize it will require significant financial backing.
Cox and Johnson anticipate that achieving the desired vision for the statue will demand millions, and they remain hopeful for the possibility of an elaborate design. “With enough funding, the statue could truly shine in its magnificence,” Johnson stated.
The base of the statue will feature details about Smalls’ impactful life, alongside a poignant quote he delivered in 1895 during a time of racial oppression. Smalls emphasized the necessity for equal opportunities, asserting that his race needed no special defense, as their historical contributions were sufficient proof of their equality.
