South Carolina is preparing to honor Robert Smalls, a former slave who became a prominent political leader, by erecting the first statue of an individual African American on its Statehouse lawn.
Smalls, famous for his daring escape during the Civil War, will be recognized for his broader contributions to racial equality and education.
In 1862, still in his early twenties, Smalls commandeered a Confederate ship, the CSS Planter, and sailed it to Union lines, securing freedom for himself, his family, and a dozen others.
After the war, he served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and helped rewrite South Carolina’s Constitution to grant Black men equality.
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“The man has done so many great things; it’s just a travesty he has not been honored until now. Heck, it’s also a travesty there isn’t some big Hollywood movie out there about his life,” said Democratic state Representative Jermaine Johnson.
A bust of Robert Smalls displayed Reconstruction Era National Historic Park in Beaufort, South Carolina, on September 12. Smalls will soon be the first African American person with a statue at the South Carolina Statehouse A bust of Robert Smalls displayed Reconstruction Era National Historic Park in Beaufort, South Carolina, on September 12. Smalls will soon be the first African American person with a statue at the South Carolina Statehouse AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins
Unanimous Approval
Despite years of resistance, the bill to build the statue passed the state House and Senate unanimously in 2024.
“South Carolina is a great state. We’ve got a lot of history, good and bad. This is our good history,” Republican state Representative Brandon Cox, who co-sponsored the bill, said.
A committee will finalize the design and location by January 15, 2025.
“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,” said Republican state Senator Chip Campsen.
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Smalls’ Escape From Slavery
A portrait of Robert Smalls from between 1870 and 1880. The unanimous passage of the bill to honor Smalls marks a significant shift in South Carolina’s recognition of its history. A portrait of Robert Smalls from between 1870 and 1880. The unanimous passage of the bill to honor Smalls marks a significant shift in South Carolina’s recognition of its history. Library of Congress via AP
Smalls, born into slavery in 1839 in Beaufort, South Carolina, died in 1915 as a free man.
Rewriting South Carolina’s Constitution during the Reconstruction Era saw him help secure rights for African Americans, later reversed by white supremacists.
Supporters hope the statue will help reshape how South Carolina remembers its role in the Civil War and Reconstruction.
His life, from escaping slavery to fighting for equality, reflects the struggle for civil rights in the United States.
Ideas for what the statue could look like vary—is Smalls best recognized for his courageous act or his later years as a statesman?
Countering Confederate History
Books about Robert Smalls displayed at Reconstruction Era National Historic Park in Beaufort, South Carolina. Supporters hope his statue will help shift the narrative of South Carolina’s historical monuments, many of which honor Confederate figures. Books about Robert Smalls displayed at Reconstruction Era National Historic Park in Beaufort, South Carolina. Supporters hope his statue will help shift the narrative of South Carolina’s historical monuments, many of which honor Confederate figures. AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins
There is also debate over where the statue should stand.
The South Carolina Statehouse currently features monuments to Confederate figures like “Pitchfork” Ben Tillman, who helped dismantle Reconstruction Era gains. Some have suggested placing Smalls’ statue near these, creating a symbolic counterpoint.
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“Robert Smalls writes a new future for this county that in the moment no one can see is happening,” said Chris Barr, the Chief of Interpretation for the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in Beaufort, while standing beside a bust of Smalls near his grave, the Associated Press reported.
Fundraising proceedings can begin to fulfill the vision once the statue’s design and location are determined.
“We have to get the narrative right,” said South Carolina Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey.
“This is going to tell a story, and I think it’s important that we honor him and South Carolina the right way.”
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
South Carolina continues to mine the transfer portal to fill needs and the Gamecocks have sent out another known offer to an interior defensive lineman.
Bowling Green transfer portal DL Davonte Miles posted on Twitter/X Saturday that the Gamecocks have offered the 6-foot-5, 275-pounder.
In addition to South Carolina, Miles is hearing from Mississippi State, Memphis, Northwestern, and UConn.
South Carolina Transfer Portal Resources:
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Miles is expected to play in Bowling Green’s bowl game on Dec. 26 and will likely make a decision after that.
Listed as a redshirt sophomore, Miles should have two years of eligibility left.
Miles collected 10 tackles, including a tackle-for-loss, and two quarterback hurries this season.
He is originally from River Rouge, Mich.
South Carolina is expected to bring in multiple interior defensive linemen from the portal as the Gamecocks will have to replace Tonka Hemingway, Boogie Huntley, Deandre Jules, and likely T.J. Sanders from this year’s talented group.
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Carolina already has one portal commitment at the position in Texas A&M transfer and former five-star Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy.
This week, some of the top high school players from both South Carolina and North Carolina took part in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. South Carolina had 11 signees selected for the game, but some did not participate due to early enrollment at USC.
One name that popped up all week was Havelock, North Carolina native Donovan Darden. In fact, On3’s Charles Power picked Darden as his practice MVP. The future Gamecock linebacker got reps at both defensive end and linebacker.
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On Saturday, in what became a dominant 49-24 victory for the Tar Heels, Darden put his stamp on the strong week with a big-time play. Late in the 3rd quarter, North Carolina led 28-10 when the future Gamecock effectively ended the game. Irmo High School quarterback AJ Brand rolled right out of the pocket to escape pressure and tried fitting a pass through a tight window. Darden, who was in a short zone, stepped in front of the pass and picked it off. An elite athlete, he also made short work of the 48-yard return as he took the interception back for a score.
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You can watch the play below.
South Carolina signee Donovan Darden capped off an incredible week at @ShrineBowlNCSC with a pick six to put North Carolina up 35-10
Darden owns 21-10.75 LJ & 45-8 Shot Put personal bests. Strong showing all week from the former HS quarterback pic.twitter.com/oDhCnTSVL2
Darden will join a linebacker room at South Carolina that could need a youngster or two to play. The Gamecocks use their ‘backers in a variety of ways, and his experience as a pass rusher could help him get on the field. He also has a solid frame already, measuring in at 6’4″ and 225 pounds. On3 ranks Darden as a 4-star EDGE prospect. In On3’s rankings, he is No. 122 nationally, No. 6 in North Carolina, and No. 13 among EDGEs. He will start his USC career in the linebacker room but could grow into an EDGE.
Radford Highlanders (10-4) at South Carolina Gamecocks (8-3)
Columbia, South Carolina; Sunday, 2 p.m. EST
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BOTTOM LINE: South Carolina hosts Radford after Collin Murray-Boyles scored 22 points in South Carolina’s 91-88 overtime victory against the Clemson Tigers.
The Gamecocks are 6-1 in home games. South Carolina has a 1-1 record in games decided by less than 4 points.
The Highlanders have gone 3-4 away from home. Radford scores 77.1 points and has outscored opponents by 6.3 points per game.
South Carolina’s average of 8.0 made 3-pointers per game this season is just 0.6 fewer made shots on average than the 8.6 per game Radford allows. Radford has shot at a 44.9% rate from the field this season, 3.7 percentage points higher than the 41.2% shooting opponents of South Carolina have averaged.
TOP PERFORMERS: Murray-Boyles is averaging 16.5 points and 9.5 rebounds for the Gamecocks.
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Brandon Maclin is averaging 9.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals for the Highlanders.
LAST 10 GAMES: Gamecocks: 8-2, averaging 76.9 points, 32.8 rebounds, 14.5 assists, 4.9 steals and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 46.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 67.2 points per game.
Highlanders: 7-3, averaging 75.5 points, 38.2 rebounds, 12.4 assists, 7.2 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 43.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 66.2 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
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