Arts & Entertainment
Film: "Robert Smalls, A Patriot's Journey from Slavery to Capitol Hill"
This film is being shown in conjunction with The Life and Times of Congressman Robert Smalls a historical exhibit at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, Tuesday, July 5 – Sunday, September 18. This exhibit is sponsiored by the National Black Arts Festival.
This powerful documentary, narrated by actor Sean Patrick Thomas, tells the story of Smalls stalwart rise from slavery to Civil War hero to his distinguished service as a five-term U.S. Congressman. Smalls, a man of courage, conviction and moral conscience, gained fame for piloting a Confederate ship past rebel forces, and for being among the first African-Americans to be elected to the United States Congress in 1875. His fearless determination to hold a country to its ideals of equality and justice earned him the distinction as one of the most significant African-American politicians in South Carolina history. The documentary further underscores Smalls greatness through interviews with prominent politicians, historians, and scholars.