South Carolina to Erect First Statue Honoring an African American on Statehouse Lawn

South Carolina is preparing to install its first statue dedicated to an African American on the Statehouse lawn, honoring Civil War hero Robert Smalls. Smalls, who famously donned Confederate attire to commandeer a slaveholder's ship and lead his family and others to freedom, will soon be recognized alongside other notable figures at the state capitol.

Chris Barr, a ranger at the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park, highlighted the profound influence of Smalls' mother on his life. Barr emphasized that Smalls' legacy symbolizes hope for an unwritten future, noting that his actions forged a new path for the nation, even when those around him couldn't envision it.

State Representative Jermaine Johnson (D) stressed the importance of acknowledging African American history at the Statehouse. He remarked, “When you observe the Statehouse today, you see young people of all ages exploring the monuments and engaging with the history of our great state, but there is currently no monument here representing African Americans.”

The installation of Smalls' statue marks a significant step in broadening the representation of historical figures on the Statehouse grounds, paying tribute to an individual who overcame extraordinary challenges and reshaped history.