South Carolina Representatives Honored for Bipartisan Efforts to Honor Robert Smalls

Columbia, South Carolina — South Carolina State Representatives Brandon L. Cox and Jermaine L. Johnson received the 2025 Biden School of Civility in Public Service Award on September 9, 2025, for their collaborative efforts in recognizing Robert Smalls, an escaped slave and Civil War hero, with a monument at the State Capitol.

The award ceremony took place at the University of Delaware, attracting university leadership, faculty, and community members. The Biden School of Public Policy and Administration established the award in 2022 to honor public servants from different political backgrounds who work together for the common good.

Interim Dean Joseph Trainor commended Cox and Johnson, saying, “The Civility Award reflects the values we hold dear in our leaders.” In their remarks, both representatives emphasized the importance of their partnership. Johnson noted, “I doubt that he could have gotten it done without me. I doubt that I could have gotten it done without him.”

The idea for the Smalls statue emerged when Cox approached Johnson in 2023. Although previous attempts to create a monument had failed, Johnson attributed their success to solid relationships across party lines. “I spend more time with Republicans than I do with Democrats,” he said, highlighting the importance of collaboration.

Robert Smalls, born into slavery in 1839, escaped during the Civil War and later became a state senator and education advocate. Once erected, his statue will be the first of a Black man in front of the State Capitol, joining five existing statues all of white men.

Cox emphasized the monument’s significance for representation, stating, “This is an equal representation statue,” while Johnson expressed hope that it would inspire children who visit the State House. “They can see somebody that they identify with,” he said.

Both representatives received letters of recognition from Congress, appreciating their commitment to honoring history. As the ceremony concluded, Johnson encapsulated their achievement, saying, “We made history. And good, positive history is what we’ve made.”