The Life and Legacy of Robert Smalls of South Carolina's Sea Islands
"My race needs no special defense, for the past history of them in this country proves them to be equal of any people anywhere. All they need is an equal chance in the battle of life."
The Life and Legacy of Robert Smalls of South Carolina’s Sea Islands charts Robert Smalls’ own "chance in the battle of life" from enslaved African American born in 1839 to five terms in the US House of Representatives. In 1862, Smalls received his freedom after the successful seizure and delivery of the Confederate steamer, the Planter, to Union forces stationed outside of Charleston harbor. Later, as a celebrated leader and politician, Smalls championed the civil rights of those within South Carolina’s lowcountry. A believer that education leads to empowerment, Smalls advocated for the creation of South Carolina’s public school system for everyone, even during the violent uncertainty of the Reconstruction Era.
Product Details
- Historical nonfiction
- 48 pages (color), approx. 6"x 9", soft cover
- Text by Lu Ann Jones and Robert K. Sutton
- Printed in USA, published by Eastern National