The Audacity of Robert Smalls | Michael B. Moore | TEDxStMarksSchool

Michael B. Moore shares the story of escaped slave Robert Smalls, his great-great grandfather. Smalls commandeered a Confederate Naval vessel, freeing his family and two others. But Small's life story doesn't end there. Prepare to hear one of the least well-known, most important stories of the Civil War.
Michael B. Moore's career has focussed on helping companies define and communicate powerful brands. His experience includes marketing, management, strategy and branding at some of the world's more respected companies including Coca-Cola and Kraft.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@kingflourisher]

This guy is my extended family! Robert Smalls is my great great great grandfather too!

[@colonicstacker1683]

Robert Smalls was the greatest American. Every child should know his name.

[@thewobblywelder8362]

YES!!!!!

[@cessaly100]

Absolutely agree! I was BLOWN AWAY by the superb Smithsonian Magazines August 2018 article on him. It inspired me to complete my exit strategy from Georgia!

[@donaldreynolds6857]

As someone who is retired Navy and a lifelong Republican, Robert Smalls has been a personal hero of mine ever since I first learned of his story a few years ago. You must feel really honored to have his blood flowing through your veins.

[@nonayobizness]

+Donald Reynolds Would LOVE to see a movie made about Robert Smalls' life and achievements. He's a true American hero!! -- (Signed - a peace, anti-war and civil rights activist and registered Independent)

[@danielles3698]

Donald Reynolds ...I am a Smalls with the last name..the granddaughter of Allan Smalls a direct descendant of Robert Smalls....I am extremely proud to be a Smalls when i hear historians bring up his name!...I also have the same birthday!! Moultrie-Smalls!!!

[@nikiasimmons7429]

Keelee K who was Allen to Robert Smalls?

[@nikiasimmons7429]

Keelee K *Allan*

[@taterkaze910]

Now that Spanky Orange Dennison - an obvious Russian intelligence asset - has completely dishonored the spineless GOP, I expect you'll honor your country and vote your patriotism by throwing him out of office.

[@nonayobizness]

I'm only 4 minutes in and realize this video should have 20 million likes!

[@nonayobizness]

+CoffeeLover Excellent TedTalk Michael B. Moore.

[@RawBlueCheeseTV]

I agree wholeheartedly! I can't lie I despair.

[@DaggerSecurity]

they should change the title to something more intriguing and bait the clicks. Most people would not regret it

[@flyinspirals]

"It wasn't enough for him to earn *his* freedom..." That says it all.

[@flyinspirals]

+flyinspirals And that included his former master's ill, elderly wife. Huge heart.

[@duncanbleak3819]

There would need to be, at least, 5 separate movies to do justice to the life of Robert Smalls. A truly dashing and monumental figure.

[@markjacksonturner6462]

A Mini-series of 3-5 movies would be awesome!!!

[@chazzmother]

Amazing...we need this on the big screen

[@conniekimble1782]

As a friend of mine stated.... this should be a big movie

[@williamwells434]

An underappreciated story. I hope to write a musical about him some day.

[@derekzitko6808]

So I guess the Confederacy consistently said "You're killing me, Smalls!" ;-) Amazing story and courageous commitment to purposeful life. Would love to see Mr. Smalls' life story as a movie. Thank you for sharing...

[@petertochman8218]

Mr. Moore gave an eloquent and entertaining presentation about the life of his great-great grandfather. A man all would be proud to have as an ancestor. Robert Smalls lived a life well worth living.

[@nehemiahstewart]

First learned about Robert Smalls from a talk in Columbia SC by Cornel West. What a great man Robert Smalls was.

[@veroldaley1]

Sir, you must be immensely proud of your Ancestors

[@rodneymizell4129]

Mr. Robert Small is definitely one of my Heroes!!! Much Respect !!!!

[@katbos4995]

14:30 Wow, that act alone shows his greatness, his humility, his godliness. Allowing his prior master’s wife to live in HIS home, that was his prior master’s house, that he bought.

[@redchapulines]

I love hearing this story from one of Robert Smalls's relatives. I first read his story at the Rice Museum in Georgetown, SC and was moved by his bravery and his life. I'm glad to see it here.

[@lembrant1]

A blue print for courage and opportunity. A man who Live To Live!

[@gouppacase]

Great part of history told in a very poignant way. I attended 3rd and 4th grade at Robert Small’s School in Cheraw ,SC in the 1980s.

[@mikeholton9876]

good that you hold that as a point of pride. ive driven through Cheraw many times over the last 40 years its a lovely town. we have stopped to eat there on our way to florida a bunch of times, the folks there were and as of last year when i passed through are still, friendly to a fault. Cheers!

[@loganwilcox4037]

Amazing story, how is this not a movie?

[@nancyhagan7553]

16 May 2022 just read about Robert Small last week and was so impressed he teaches us to take risks and have hope

[@gretchenmorris9241]

Mr Moore you brought your great grandfather’s story to life. One of the many interesting stories about African American life. This is why keeping African American History in the curriculum is so important.

[@dawngrogan1232]

Incredible piece of history with a beautiful message of hope.

[@kh884488]

Robert Smalls would make for a great subject of an epic film -- or films.

[@msdarden6602]

I knew of Robert Small's story. It was one of the most courage's events. We don't often hear narratives from descendants. So unselfishly helping others. This is U S History. Truth not myth.

[@GratefulVisuals]

Wish they taught more about him in our public schools

[@eric2147]

Yes. Especially since he started the public school system. 🤷🏽 Even without that he was a great man!!

[@WhattheRuck]

Who are the 3 people who voted “thumbs down”? He is one of this country’s greatest heroes. From beginning to end. Amazing life.

[@IamMrIsom]

It's four now

[@charlescaldwell1691]

Billy Conran I guarantee those three thumbs down were Confederate people

[@charlesmichaels6648]

@@charlescaldwell1691 Sorry. You have no evidence. Likely, False Flag thumbs down. Doubt? Ask: Jussie Smollett Kamala Harris Cory Booker Tina Tchen "Mike" Obama B.O. Rahm Emanuel etc etc etc (jussie smollett hoax)

[@mahmoudshire]

This man's achievements dwarf most of the African American heroes we see constantly part of the status quo. Would love to see Barry Jenkins or Ava do a movie about him. He also deserves a statue somewhere if there isn't. A true hero. Rip

[@carolcrocker88]

Lots to be proud of for sure!

[@robwaddell7934]

He is who I talk about when ever the subject of American pride comes up. His is our very best story.

[@malvern1928jamaica]

He is my coworkers relative. So cool listening to this

[@pagemeredith4532]

What an amazing legacy his great, great grandfather has left behind for him. I would love to see a movie about his great, great-grandfather, Robert Smalls.

[@levimoore5837]

If you think MLK was something you should here this brothers story! I think you will find it most interesting.

[@charlesmichaels6648]

Levi Moore Ask Frank Abernathy, & J Edgar Hoover.....

[@thelockpickinglebowski633]

Very cool. I hope a movie about Robert Smalls gets made and hits the big screen.

[@elizabethparkhurst2824]

He is one of my southern heros! Imagine the courage!

[@Pajamajeans007]

this man's life needs to be a movie

[@jakethetool698]

A thrilling story. Without knowing the details, I questioned, as I listened, whether there was an atmosphere of fear, or one of determined confidence. Fear tends to prevent such undertakings, while a decisive belief in one’s self often fuels the ability to achieve things that most might see as impossible. There may have been abundant nervousness, during the most tense moments, but for Robert Smalls to subject his family to the risks, he in my opinion, must’ve been brimming with confidence.

[@beep-beep]

The threat of death and torture does not hold a candle to the promise of escape from bondage. We can’t truly relate, but Smalls understood the value of dangerous freedom over the safety of slavery. I can’t imagine the fear he must of felt, but no price is too great for freedom. This is truly a story of triumph that illustrates the American values better than any other.

[@markzajac3828]

That was one bad ass story :)

[@JosephRibot-jr8gl]

Awesome story. He should have a holiday in his name. Amazing human.

[@madliberal7710]

I heard about this not well known historical footnote just recently from a Civil War documentary and now I know what or rather who was probably the main source in Michael Moore's Ted Talk lecture.

[@silverwithadollarsign448]

@michael B.Moore I’m Robert Smalls great great great grandson from SC

[@ChuckGnarlyTV]

great to watch his legacy live through his son and to continue to inspire others

[@adamwhite4246]

LEGEND

[@smug8567]

You're killing me smalls.

[@pamelapray149]

Such an amazing man that served us all. It is clear God had a plan for him.

[@Ifyshalom1]

when the table turns, be wise.

[@jamesbrown-ep9om]

this is cool

[@brucegrit8928]

I have a silver medal of him,know his story well,Henry O. Flipper would be a great story as well.

[@danielles3698]

Im a proud Smalls!! Moultrie-Smalls👊

[@Tulipsaki]

Keelee K Do you know the speaker?

[@beedebawng2556]

Was this talk given at St. Marks in Dallas?

[@juanardgrimitt4890]

Mission Impossible...before Mission Impossible!

[@tobitobs9813]

I've been say this for awhile. WHY ISNT THERE A MOVIE ABOUT HIM?!?!?

[@2real4tvv]

Learned about him going to family funeral he buried at church never heard of him before that.

[@kaleahcollins4567]

Actually he treated her kindly besides the fact that she had dementia but she treated him fairly kind knowing that he was the master's son

[@brianholloway6205]

Set the scene uncle smalls

[@tenacious1]

So I'm taking it it hasn't been made into a movie yet 🥺

[@closecounsel9099]

Never heard mention of him in high school or college 🤔

[@blessingsungai3472]

I am also quite amazed at his ability to talk his wife into agreeing to put their life on the line like that, amazing, especially when it looked damn near certain that they were going to die ...

[@IamMrIsom]

Women were built differently than now

[@charlesmichaels6648]

@@IamMrIsom We hear back then they believed in Jesus Christ.....

[@svamandolin3546]

talk about a movie that needs to be made. Peter Weil would be my choice for Director.

[@umix9348]

Who is Momma Lizzy? And what is the relationshio of the speakers to Robert Smalls?

[@truezeonic3617]

10:18

[@reneehudgins1964]

HOW CAN AMERICA NOT UNDERSTAND THE IMPORT OF ROBERT SMALLS!!!

[@kaleahcollins4567]

Yes not all mixed children are light skinned sometimes they do come out still looking like their mother but as he said Robert's mother was a domestic so nine times out of 10 what goes down goes down

[@charlesmichaels6648]

Speculation.....

[@djgat0d]

Uhuh why we dont make the 🎥 our selfs damn.

[@cameronjohnson6623]

That's my great great grandfather on my mom side

[@lyfestyle441]

liar

[@cameronjohnson6623]

@@lyfestyle441 i know right. My grandfather. Clarence Smalls who lives in Beaufort South Carolina would say otherwise.

[@kingskylord6099]

Anyone here from r/madlads

[@kaleahcollins4567]

Yes originally they was called the Revel Republicans and the Dixiecrats

[@marksbiz33]

My man has SO MUCH to be proud of. He was a walking barrier breaker. Wrote legislation for free, public school for first time? At that time? Come on. That's the most progressive story I think I've ever heard.

[@dawngrogan1232]

1.2K likes. I'd bet everything I own, had this been a video about twerking it would've had millions of likes and views.

[@LordDirus007]

Tristan Tate brought me here

[@HAIDARAVEN]

Back when the Republican party was actually about America....and not the clown show it is today