A Reason for Optimism: BHM 100*: Meet Robert Smalls, who Escaped Slavery by Commandeering a Confederate Boat, Captained That Same Boat for the Union Navy, and Became the 1st African-American Elected to U.S. Congress | Proof That Change Is Possible

A Reason for Optimism: BHM 100*: Meet Robert Smalls, who Escaped Slavery by Commandeering a Confederate Boat, Captained That Same Boat for the Union Navy, and Became the 1st African-American Elected to U.S. Congress | Proof That Change Is Possible

Why this story matters: In a time when pessimism is easy, this story provides a grounded reason for optimism. Quick summary: This story highlights recent developments related to south carolina, showing how constructive action can lead to meaningful results. [* This year marks the 100th anniversary since Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the “Father of Black History” founded Negro History Week in February 1926. Fifty years after that, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month. In 1986, Congress passed a law designating February as Black History Month across the U.S.] Robert Smalls was the first Black man elected to U.S. Congress during Reconstruction, but of course his incredible story and accomplishments did not begin there. Smalls was born into slavey in 1839 in Beaufort, South Carolina and started his journey to national prominence by daring to escape slavery during the Civil War. Smalls, like many other enslaved people, was made to work for the Confederate forces. Menial labor …