Robert Smalls was a prominent figure in Black history, known for his incredible act of bravery and courage during the American Civil War. Born into slavery in South Carolina in 1839, Smalls worked as a house servant and eventually on a ship before becoming a skilled boatman and pilot.

In May 1862, Smalls made a daring escape from slavery by commandeering a Confederate ship, the CSS Planter, in the Charleston harbor. Disguised in the captain's uniform and with his wife and children and other enslaved individuals on board, Smalls navigated the ship through Confederate checkpoints and delivered it to Union forces. This bold and risky maneuver not only secured freedom for himself and his family but also provided valuable intelligence to the Union Army.

After his escape, Smalls became a hero in the North and a symbol of African American resilience and ingenuity. He went on to serve in the Union Navy and later in the South Carolina State Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout his life, Smalls fought for civil rights and equality for African Americans, leaving a lasting legacy in Black history.