Current Status Bill Number:488 Type of Legislation:Joint Resolution JR Introducing Body:Senate Introduced Date:19950209 Primary Sponsor:Ford All Sponsors:Ford Drafted Document Number:Ford\RES9625.RF Residing Body:Senate Current Committee:General Committee 08 SG Subject:African descent monument
Body Date Action Description Com Leg Involved
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Senate 19950209 Introduced, read first time, 08 SG
referred to Committee
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TO CREATE A COMMISSION TO DESIGN AND ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE MONUMENT ON THE STATE HOUSE GROUNDS TO COMMEMORATE THE EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE EQUALITY OF PERSONS OF AFRICAN DESCENT;TO RECOGNIZE THE 1ST SOUTH CAROLINA VOLUNTEERS (AFRICAN DESCENT) AND THE 54TH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY REGIMENT, WHICH WERE FIGHTING REGIMENTS DURING THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES, AND TO RECOGNIZE THE MANY WHO PRECEDED AND SUCCEEDED THE FIGHTING MEN WHO SYMBOLIZE SUCH HONOR AND VALOR.
Whereas, the grounds of the State House in South Carolina are adorned with various monuments and markers commemorating the contributions of South Carolinians of distinction and happenings of import; and
Whereas, many of these symbols were erected during an era in the state's annals when the efforts and contributions of all its citizens, by policy and custom, were not necessarily held in equal regard, with the attendant result being that not one of these symbols commemorates or honors those persons who, by policy and custom, were not held in equal regard; and
Whereas, as a circumstance of the relative inequality of the citizens who were not held in equal regard, it was necessary and proper that an effort be commenced to elevate all persons of this state to a level of equality, irrespective of past policy and custom; and
Whereas, such an effort in fact was commenced, in this state as in its sister states, which effort endured for more than a century, with the ultimate result being the elevation to relative equality of all citizens of this state, although not necessarily ideal equality; and
Whereas, the effort to attain equality for all persons of this state originated in the prior century and is illustrated by the efforts of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers (African Descent) and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, two regiments of fighting men during the War Between the States; and
Whereas, the first recorded attempt to organize slaves into a military unit on the Union side predated the Emancipation Proclamation when, in May 1862, Major General David Hunter raised the 1st South Carolina Volunteer Infantry Regiment (African Descent); and
Whereas, the regiment was officially mustered into U.S. Army service on January 31, 1863, and was mustered out on January 31, 1866; and
Whereas, on February 4, 1864, the regiment was redesignated as the 33rd United States Colored Troops; and
Whereas, the regiment has been recorded as participating in four battles and skirmishes during the War, at Hall Island on November 24, 1863; at James Island on July 1 and 2, 1864; at Milltown Bluff on July 10, 1863; and Township, Florida on January 26, 1863; and
Whereas, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was the first colored regiment recruited in the North, after Governor John Albion Andrew received permission from the Secretary of War to raise a regiment of free negroes; and
Whereas, the 54th participated in battles at James Island, Fort Wagner, Honey Hill, and Boykins Mill in South Carolina; and
Whereas, Sergeant William H. Carney of the 54th became the first negro soldier to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his participation in the battle at Fort Wagner, and is noted for not allowing the regiment flag to touch the ground; and
Whereas, it is fitting that the State of South Carolina honor the memory of these gallant fighting men, which memory has not heretofore been officially recognized; and
Whereas, it is also fitting that the state recognize the memories, efforts, and contributions of those other than, who symbolized the same honor and valor of the fighting men, including those who preceded and those who succeeded the fighting men; and
Whereas, the annals of the state's history are replete with instances of honor and valor demonstrated in the spirit of attaining equality of all of the state's citizens, although such instances are numerous and would require more words than can be compressed into a single resolution.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. A commission is hereby created to design and establish an appropriate monument to be placed on the grounds of the Capitol Complex to commemorate the efforts to achieve equality of persons of African Descent. The monument shall include recognition of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers (African Descent) and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment and recognition of the many who both preceded and succeeded the fighting men who symbolize the honor and valor of the fighting men in endeavoring to attain equality of all citizens. The commission is empowered and directed to raise private funds, to receive gifts and grants to carry out the purpose for which it is created, and to designate the location of the monument. By January 1, 1996, the commission shall report the proposed design and location of the monument to the General Assembly for approval. Upon the dedication of this monument, the commission shall dissolve. Upon dissolution, the State shall ensure proper maintenance of the monument as is done for other historical monuments on the grounds of the Capitol Complex.
Three members must be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and three members must be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Notwithstanding Section 8-13-770, members of the General Assembly may be appointed to this commission. The President Pro Tempore and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint a seventh member as chairman who shall vote only in cases of a tie.
Members of the commission may receive per diem and subsistence from the respective approved accounts of each body while attending meetings of the commission. All other expenses relating to the establishment and placement of the monument shall be paid for from funds derived as provided in the first paragraph of this section.
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.