Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR533

Introduced
6/21/23  

Caption

Recognizing and commending the name change of the USS Chancellorsville to the USS Robert Smalls, in honor of the late Representative Robert Smalls, an extraordinary native of Beaufort, South Carolina, and his significant contributions to American history.

Impact

The bill acknowledges Robert Smalls not only as a war hero but also notes his later achievements as a legislator and civil rights advocate. By honoring Smalls through the name change, this resolution encourages citizens to reflect on his legacy, urging the American public to strive for equality and social justice. This bill symbolizes a commitment to recognizing historically marginalized individuals in American history, thereby impacting the cultural narrative surrounding civil rights and representation in the nation.

Summary

House Resolution 533 recognizes and commends the renaming of the USS Chancellorsville to the USS Robert Smalls, in honor of Robert Smalls, a notable African American figure from Beaufort, South Carolina. This resolution celebrates his extraordinary contributions to American history, particularly during the Civil War and the Reconstruction period. The text highlights Smalls' courageous escape from slavery, serving as a significant turning point in the Civil War. It accounts for his intelligence and bravery in commandeering a Confederate ship to deliver himself and several enslaved individuals to freedom.

Contention

While the resolution is largely celebratory, it highlights the importance of remembering figures like Smalls who demonstrated significant courage and ingenuity. There may be discussions surrounding the need to continue pushing for recognition of similar historical figures, which can fuel ongoing dialogues about inequality and representation of marginalized communities in the military and beyond. Overall, it fosters a broader understanding of America's complex history and the contributions of African Americans that have been historically overlooked.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR390

Recognizing the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States.

US HR382

Recognizing the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to the society and culture of the United States.

US SR209

A resolution recognizing the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States.

US HR368

Encouraging Americans to recognize the historical significance of Emancipation Day to the Virgin Islands of the United States and the Nation.

US HR88

Recognizing the significance of the Greensboro Four sit-in during Black History Month.

US HR176

Recognizing the historical significance of Lawrence Silas.

US HR645

Recognizing the significance of "Chicano Heritage Month" in August as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Mexican Americans to the history of the United States.

US HR1228

Recognizing the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States.

US HR480

Recognizing the significance of National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

US HR150

Honoring the life and legacy of John Robert Lewis and commending John Robert Lewis for his towering achievements in the nonviolent struggle for civil rights.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.