John – that's me and my late great-great-grandfather, Robert Smalls. 161 years ago this week, Robert Smalls seized his freedom in Charleston Harbor.

I'm going to tell you more about his story and after, I hope you'll feel inspired to chip in a few bucks to help me win my battleground race here in South Carolina.

Robert was enslaved and conscripted into the Confederacy to be a ship pilot during the Civil War. Because of his skills, he acquired the trust of the Confederate captains aboard his ship, the Planter.

On an evening when the Confederate captains left the ship, Robert used his self-taught skills as a pilot to steer himself, and his Black crewmates and their families to safety in the North.

The families that Robert steered to safety were given safe harbor, and the ship was gifted to the Union – helping build their naval fleet and win the war. Robert later came back to South Carolina and served as Congressman for Beaufort, dedicated to fighting injustice everywhere.

I’m incredibly proud of Robert Smalls’ service to South Carolina – and his special place in our nation’s history. It’s an honor to seek the same House seat that he once held.

I'm running against Nancy Mace in my battleground district of SC-01 because Robert Smalls' fight isn't over, and I know South Carolina's best days are still ahead of us.

With our primary election less than a month away, we must generate as much grassroots momentum as possible. If you believe in me to continue the legacy of service instilled in me by my great-great-grandfather, will you make a generous contribution of $15 or more to my campaign?

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All my best,

Michael

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