Blessed Experiences: Genuinely Southern, Proudly Black

by James E. Clyburn

From his humble beginnings in Sumter, South Carolina, to his prominence on the Washington, D.C., political scene as the third highest-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn has led an extraordinary life. In Blessed Experiences, Clyburn tells in his own inspirational words how an African American boy from the Jim Crow-era South was able to beat the odds to achieve great success and become, as President Barack Obama describes him, "one of a handful of people who, when they speak, the entire Congress listens."

Born in 1940 to a civic-minded beautician and a fundamentalist minister, Clyburn began his ascent to leadership at the age of twelve, when he was elected president of his National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) youth chapter. He broke barriers through peaceful protests and steadfast beliefs in equality and justice. Of his success Clyburn says he was "blessed with nurturing parents, a supportive family, and loyal friends." But, he added, "my life was not just about knocking down doors and lowering barriers. I spent some time marching in the streets and occupying the inside of South Carolina jails." As a civil rights leader at South Carolina State College, as human affairs commissioner under John C. West and three subsequent governors, and as South Carolina's first African American congressman since 1897, Clyburn has established a long and impressive record of public leadership and advocacy for human rights, education, historic preservation, and economic development.

Clyburn was elected to Congress in 1992. Serving as copresident of his freshman class, he rose quickly through the ranks and was elected chair of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1999 and House Democratic Caucus vice chair in 2002. Three years later he was unanimously elected chair of the Democratic Caucus. When Democrats regained the House majority in 2006, Clyburn was elected House majority whip. Now as assistant Democratic leader in the 112th Congress, Clyburn, a self-described independent, prides himself on working to overcome barriers and destroy myths without becoming too predictable. "I have worked across party lines to further legislative causes, and on occasion publicly differed with some of my allies in the civil rights community," says Clyburn. "My experiences have not always been pleasant, but I have considered all of them blessings."

Blessed Experiences includes a foreword from Emmy Award-winning actress and the congressman's longtime friend Alfre Woodard.

Genres: Memoir

376 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a signed copy of this book from the Executive Director of my company as a birthday present. I have always had a great respect for the Congressman and his accomplishments in the "Jim Crow" South. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and am of the opinion that it should be required reading for high school students in the State of South Carolina.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard Congressman Clyburn speak live to a group and I could not wait to read his memoir. I used the Audible app. At 24 hours in length, it took me some time before I remembered that I could speed up the author's naturally slow speaking style. I first moved it to 1.50 speed, but that distorted his voice too much. 1.25 was perfect.

His stories were very interesting, rich with details of the influence of his parents, the Sumpter, SC, community where he grew up and his quest for education and finding a way to make a difference for his SC constituents. In some chapters he rambled, but I was patient and eventually he got back on track. The book could have benefitted from an editor to eliminate redundancies, and a better narrator. But I also felt close to the congressman by listening to his story in his own voice. This book is great for people who enjoy learning about and celebrating history.

[Michael G Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living his Mission

Jim Clyburn has lived in life both public and private as the best of us. His deep commitment to the African American community both locally and nationally is a hallmark of his career. Public service to all people in need of the necessities of life, food, clothing, housing and especially healthcare was at the heart of his ambition. We can only hope as his career comes to a close that he has mentored some worthy stewards to carry on his life’s work.

[Jacob Hilliker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rep. Clyburn lived a fascinating and exemplary life. Loved his story. Rep. Clyburn is a national treasure.

[Jerry Wendt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clyburn has a story but he should have been the one to tell it. This is an exercise in self aggrandizement and the word "I" is way too often employed. I would have loved to instead read a book by him about his amazing accomplished Mother. As it is, this book is badly in need of an edit and everyone in our book club reading it agreed it was a difficult effort getting through it. the book could have been better had Clyburn gotten a professional to do the writing. Not recommended