A statue honoring Robert Smalls, an escaped slave who became a lawmaker and Civil War hero, is set to be placed at the South Carolina State House. This statue will be significant as it marks the first time an individual African American is recognized with a monument on the Capitol grounds. Currently, all existing statues depict White men associated with the Civil War or Jim Crow-era South.

The sculpture is being created by Basil Watson, a Jamaican-born artist based near Atlanta. Watson expressed his honor in creating this piece, which symbolizes Smalls' remarkable journey from slavery to becoming a prominent figure in civil rights and equality. Historian John McCardell highlighted Smalls' intelligence and bravery when he commandeered a Confederate ship to escape slavery in 1862, successfully delivering it to Union forces.

Watson's design for the statue aims to reflect Smalls' rise from illiteracy to becoming a pioneering statesman, featuring him standing on a stack of books that represents his elevation and achievements. The completed statue will stand approximately 12 feet tall.

Original article

Actionable Information: The article does not provide any immediate actions or steps that readers can take. It primarily focuses on the announcement of the statue's creation and its significance. While it mentions the artist and his design, there are no instructions or resources for readers to engage with directly.

Educational Depth: It offers a deeper understanding of Robert Smalls' life and achievements, providing historical context and highlighting his remarkable journey. The article educates readers about Smalls' bravery and intelligence during his escape from slavery, as well as his subsequent role in civil rights and equality. However, it does not delve into extensive detail or provide comprehensive historical analysis.

Personal Relevance: The topic has personal relevance for individuals interested in history, civil rights, and the ongoing efforts to recognize and honor diverse figures. It may inspire readers to learn more about Smalls' story and the broader context of the Civil War and Jim Crow-era South. Additionally, for residents of South Carolina or those with a connection to the state, the placement of the statue on Capitol grounds could hold personal significance.

Public Service Function: While the article does not provide direct public service information such as warnings or emergency contacts, it serves a public service function by bringing attention to an important historical figure and the efforts to recognize his contributions. It highlights the lack of representation of African Americans in monuments and the need for more diverse recognition.

Practicality of Advice: As the article does not offer advice or tips, this point is not applicable.

Long-Term Impact: The article has the potential for long-term impact by contributing to a more inclusive and accurate representation of history. The statue's placement and the recognition of Smalls' achievements can inspire and educate future generations, fostering a deeper understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.

Emotional or Psychological Impact: The article may evoke emotions such as inspiration, pride, and a sense of connection to history. It can motivate readers to appreciate the struggles and achievements of individuals like Smalls and encourage a more critical examination of historical narratives.

Clickbait or Ad-Driven Words: The language used in the article is factual and informative, without sensationalism or exaggeration. It presents the information in a straightforward manner, focusing on the statue's significance and the historical context.

Missed Opportunities to Teach or Guide: The article could have provided more depth by including additional historical details about Smalls' life and the broader social and political context of his era. It could have offered links or references to further reading or resources for those interested in exploring the topic more extensively. Additionally, including a brief overview of other notable African American figures who have been recognized through monuments or memorials could have provided a broader perspective.

The erection of a statue honoring Robert Smalls, an African American who escaped slavery and became a civil rights leader, is a significant event that carries weight for the local community and its kinship bonds. This monument, created by artist Basil Watson, symbolizes Smalls' remarkable journey and his contribution to equality and civil rights.

The statue's design, featuring Smalls standing on a stack of books, represents his elevation and achievements, which is a powerful visual reminder of the importance of education and personal growth. This symbol of Smalls' rise from illiteracy to statesman can inspire and motivate, especially for those facing adversity and seeking a better future.

However, the context of this statue's placement is crucial to the social critique. The fact that Smalls' statue will be the first to honor an individual African American on the Capitol grounds, amidst existing statues of White men associated with the Civil War and Jim Crow era, highlights a historical imbalance and a lack of representation for African American contributions and struggles. This imbalance can erode community trust and the sense of belonging, especially for African American families and their children.

The absence of African American representation in public monuments diminishes the visibility of their historical contributions and can lead to a sense of exclusion and neglect of their duties and responsibilities within the community. It is a breach of the ancestral principle that all members of the community, regardless of race or background, should be recognized and honored for their unique contributions to the survival and prosperity of the clan.

Furthermore, the historical context of Smalls' escape from slavery and his bravery in commandeering a Confederate ship is a powerful reminder of the vulnerability of the enslaved and the duty of the community to protect and defend the vulnerable. His story, if widely known and celebrated, can inspire a renewed commitment to the protection of the vulnerable and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, which are essential for the survival and well-being of the community.

If the idea of honoring Smalls and other African American figures spreads unchecked, it can lead to a more inclusive and representative community, where all members feel valued and their contributions recognized. This, in turn, can strengthen family bonds, inspire future generations, and foster a sense of collective responsibility for the stewardship of the land and the survival of the people.

However, if the imbalance in representation persists, it can further fracture community trust, diminish the sense of duty and responsibility, and weaken the bonds that hold families and communities together. The survival of the people and the stewardship of the land depend on a strong, united community, where all members feel a sense of belonging and are actively involved in its protection and prosperity.

The text has a clear focus on Robert Smalls' achievements, highlighting his escape from slavery and his rise to prominence. This positive portrayal may oversimplify his story, leaving out potential challenges or complexities. The language used, like "remarkable journey" and "pioneering statesman," adds a heroic tone, which could be seen as a form of virtue signaling. It presents Smalls as an exceptional individual, which might downplay the broader struggle for civil rights.

The text evokes a range of emotions, primarily centered around pride, honor, and a sense of historical significance. These emotions are intertwined with a narrative of empowerment and recognition, highlighting the remarkable journey of Robert Smalls, an escaped slave who achieved great feats in the face of adversity.

The pride and honor are evident in the description of Smalls' accomplishments. His escape from slavery, his bravery in commandeering a Confederate ship, and his subsequent rise to become a lawmaker and civil rights figure are all presented with a sense of awe and admiration. Historian John McCardell's emphasis on Smalls' intelligence and bravery further reinforces this emotion, painting a picture of a man who defied the odds and achieved greatness.

The text also conveys a sense of historical significance and a need to rectify past injustices. The mention of the statue being the first to honor an individual African American on the Capitol grounds underscores the long-overdue recognition of Black achievements and the importance of representing diverse histories. This emotional appeal serves to create a sense of urgency and importance around the statue's creation, emphasizing the need to honor and learn from the past.

The artist, Basil Watson, expresses his honor in being chosen for this project, which adds a layer of personal emotion to the narrative. His pride and sense of responsibility in creating a sculpture that symbolizes Smalls' journey are palpable. This personal connection helps to humanize the story and build a deeper emotional connection with the reader.

The writer's choice of words and narrative structure effectively steer the reader's emotions. The use of words like "remarkable," "pioneering," and "elevation" to describe Smalls' journey creates a positive and uplifting tone. The repetition of the word "first" emphasizes the historical significance and the need for change. By telling Smalls' story and highlighting his achievements, the writer inspires a sense of admiration and respect, encouraging readers to see the importance of recognizing and celebrating such figures.

Overall, the text's emotional appeal is used to inspire action and change. It aims to educate and inform, but also to evoke a sense of pride and responsibility in recognizing and honoring the achievements of African Americans, especially those who have overcome significant obstacles. By presenting Smalls' story with such emotional weight, the writer hopes to engage readers and encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black history and its impact on society.