2018 Black History Month Spotlight Program on Feb 21st featuring "African Americans in Times of War: The Robert Smalls Story"

On May 13, 1862, Robert Smalls, a crew of other enslaved sailors, and their families sailed out of the Charleston Harbor to freedom on a Confederate ship they handed over to Union forces. For this and many other notable accomplishments, Smalls looms large in the history of South Carolina, and Charleston, in particular. While Smalls was largely written out of South Carolina history for a number of years, his story could not be contained or controlled. Smalls has been honored with a monument at Charleston Waterfront Park, with numerous books and events, and now with an event at Trident Technical College - Downtown Palmer Campus.

 A picture taken at Charleston Waterfront Park
from the Post and Courier article
"Robert Smalls Lauded as Civil Rights Pioneer"

Join us for the 2018 Palmer Black History Month Spotlight program, "African Americans in Times of War: The Robert Smalls Story," on February 21, 2018, from 10:30-11:30 in the Palmer Amphitheater. The event will feature a presentation by faculty member and Coast Guard veteran Dr. Maureen Whitehurst about Robert Smalls' daring escape from slavery with a Confederate ship, and his subsequent service to the Union forces during the Civil War. Also, artist Jonathan Green will be on hand with  The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls. The book is described as:

"The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls" tells the inspirational story of Small's life as a slave, his boyhood dream of freedom, and his bold and daring plan as a young man to commandeer a Confederate gunboat from Charleston Harbor and escape with fifteen fellow slaves and family members. Smalls joined the Union Navy and rose to the rank of captain and became the first African American to command a U.S. service ship. After the war Smalls returned to Beaufort, bought the home of his former master, and began a long career in state and national politics. This new edition of The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls, originally published in 1971, features Louise Meriwether's original narrative, now illustrated by the colorful paintings of renowned Southern artist Jonathan Green."

We invite faculty to include Robert Smalls in their curriculum in any way possible, and to bring classes or give extra credit to students to attend. If you would like to include Robert Smalls in a lesson, here are some ideas: 

·     Choose one of the South Carolina Lesson Plans: Robert Smalls.

·     Show the short PBS video Robert Smalls: A Daring Escape (3.08 mins) as a way to encourage students to attend for extra credit.

·     Have students read sections from The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls, which will be available Feb 15, and we will have copies available for instructors to borrow to show to their classes.

·     Have students read the Letter from Robert Smalls to Governor Daniel H. Chamberlain regarding riots among freedmen along the Combahee River, August 1876 or other of his letters. We know of at least 60 letters written by Robert Smalls to Booker T. Washington, Frederick Douglas, Carter G. Woodson, President Garfield and other dignitaries of his time,

·     Have students learn about Jonathan Green, the Charleston artist well known for his depictions of African Americans who will be signing his book at the events. Students can come meet him and discuss art and publishing.