The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation

by Jim Clyburn

From one of America's most venerable politicians, The First Eight is an extraordinary work of living history: the powerful, untold story of the pioneering Black politicians from South Carolina who were elected to Congress in the aftermath of the Civil War, and a revealing explanation of why it took nearly a century before the ninth, James Clyburn, was elected.

Today, South Carolina congressman James E. Clyburn is renowned as a Democratic kingmaker and our nation's most august Black political leader. But behind him stand eight other remarkable men: the first Black politicians to go to Congress from his home state, and who blazed a path for his own ascent. Since his own arrival in Congress in the early nineties, Congressman Clyburn has been guided by the wisdom and example of these men, and also instructed by their struggles—especially with the demon of American racism. South Carolina's first eight Black congressmen all rose to office following the Civil War and emancipation, but then the dark veil of Jim Crow fell across the South. It would take nearly a century before the ninth Black representative, Clyburn himself, was elected.

In The First Eight, Congressman Clyburn shares these men's stories, and their message of liberty, with the nation they served. Among them are Joseph Rainey, the first Black politician to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in our nation's history, who was born enslaved in 1832; Robert Smalls, iconic for his heroism during the Civil War, when he fled the Confederacy, stole a ship, and fought for the Union Army; and Richard Cain, who ran a widely read newspaper for Black South Carolinians and is associated with the Emanuel AME Church, one of the oldest and most distinguished Black churches in America, and where neo-Nazi Dylan Roof killed nine Black congregants in a mass shooting in 2015. Through the trials, tribulations, triumphs, and challenges that all nine men faced, Congressman Clyburn reveals a whole new way of understanding the period between the Civil War and the present.

A unique blend of history and memoir, The First Eight is both a monument to the legacies of these eight trailblazing Americans, and also a clear-eyed appraisal of how far we've come, and how far we have left to go, in our nation's ongoing struggle for true democracy.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, American History, Race, Biography, Biography Memoir

304 pages, Hardcover

Published November 11, 2025

Reviews

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found The First Eight to be an inspiring and deeply moving read. James Clyburn doesn’t just recount history. He invites you into it, shining a bright and heartfelt light on the extraordinary courage and determination of South Carolina’s first Black congressmen. His portraits of Joseph Rainey, Robert Smalls, Richard Cain, and others feel vibrant, showing how these remarkable men helped shape the early path of American democracy while standing firm against brutal racism and the rise of Jim Crow.

What struck me most was the remarkable way Clyburn brings these leaders into the present, almost as if their voices are still echoing through our own time, guiding us with their wisdom and courage. Their stories feel far from distant or closed off in history. Instead, they rise from the page as powerful reminders of the extraordinary resilience, profound sacrifice, and unwavering vision that carved a path toward progress. Their legacy shines through every chapter, illuminating the way forward for future generations, including Clyburn himself

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who cares about American history, civil rights, or the enduring strength of the human spirit. It is a beautifully written and uplifting tribute that left me both enlightened and inspired.

[Jason Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating blend of history and memoir, resurrecting the stories of the first eight Black men elected to Congress from South Carolina after the Civil War. Clyburn masterfully weaves their struggles and triumphs with his own journey.
What I loved most were the connections he draws across a century of history. His perspective, as a Black leader born and raised in the Jim Crow South who rose to the highest levels of power, is truly unique and invaluable. This is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, civil rights, and the enduring fight for a more perfect union. It's an enlightening and deeply personal account that honors the past while speaking directly to our present.

[KB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be both inspiring and sobering, especially in how clearly it connects past struggles for voting rights and equality to the challenges we still face today. To see so much that occured in the 1800 hundredth and during the civil right era is happening again is unnerving. They say history repeats itself. A meaningful and important read.

[Marky Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s unsettling and horrifying to see the similarities between current day and the Reconstruction and Post-Construction era. As James states near the end of the book, it serves as a cautionary tale. I was unfamiliar with The First Eight before reading this book. James does a fantastic job highlighting their achievements and contributions for Black people in the US.

This book evoked many feelings in me, as James recounted numerous devastatingly sad anecdotes of days past. It is a heavy read though, and will stir emotions in you.

Highly recommend - 5/5 stars.

[free form enterprises · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding reprise of our history

Jim Clyburn has outdone himself with this piercing correlation o f parallel realities that are evident when we review the dynamics that occurred during the "reconstruction" period of the timeframe between1865-1880 and into the twentieth century, and compare them with the dynamics we are experiencing in the twenty first century. He sounds a clear warning to us, reminding us that if we ignore our history we may be destined to repeat it.

[Yvette Sapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and Little, Brown and Company | Hachette Book Group for this Advance Reader’s Copy of The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation.

Clyburn takes the reader through a history of the first eight Black congressmen who represented South Carolina in the United States House of Representatives. Among the eight (Clyburn is the ninth), the most well known might be Robert Smalls, who brought his family to freedom in a most spectacular way and was a public education advocate. Others include Richard Cain, an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) minister who had founded a newspaper and supported civil rights legislation, and George Washington Murray, a farmer and teacher who fought for Black political participation in the South.

These representatives and their stories are among examples of how perseverance and activism goes back hundreds of years, history that this book will help expand on. Their stories should be shared in American History classes on every level.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While these types of books are not my favorite. I thought it important to get the history. I am not a fan of the voice of Jim Clyburn so having him as the narrator was considered a negative for me. After the fist chapter I realized listening to this book was going to be a chore. Jim Clyburn is a horrible narrator. Admittedly I did learn a few things in the first and second chapters. My biggest challenge with this book was the voice of Jim Clyburn. I have stated many times before that the narrator can make or break a book. Without the necessary history, Jim Cylburn brakes this book.


RECOMMENDATION: READ IT, DON’T LISTEN TO IT.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read history. This is a personal history of black congressman who helped shaped our nation.These early politicians were from South Carolina after the civil war.But it took a century before jim Clyburn was elected. He is very well respected in Congress and he has received many awards. He is voice for civil rights. The book talks about the first 8 congressman and the things they went through in life to serve in Congress.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book examines the first eight Black representatives from South Carolina, all elected during Reconstruction. He draws parallels between that time period and the present day. It's well researched (Clyburn was a history teacher before he switched to politics) but he falls into the politician's trap of talking a lot about himself.

[Margaret Wittke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the first eight Black politicians to serve in the US Congress, all from South Carolina. They rose to power following the Civil War and emancipation. All lost their seats as Jim Crow swept through the South. It would take a century before the 9th Black representative Jim Clyburn was elected.

[Lisa Church Sielen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The accounting of the first eight Black congressman from South Carolina. All of them before the turn of the 20th century. The ninth, the author James Clyburn, didn’t become a congressman until almost a 100 years later. As a white, third generation Californian woman, my knowledge of Southern politics and life is remedial. Hopefully, reading books like these will give me a better understanding.
,

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much powerful information here about where we could have gone as a nation towards equity and justice after the Civil War and how it was derailed by prejudice and fear. This is a bit of a slog to read but worth it for its lessons for today.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of new history for me. Numbers Blacks in congress: 8 from South Carolina and over 60 from other states yet ability be re-elected diminished by turn of century when none elected for almost 100 years. Comparison of how white supremacist are using some same tactics. Well footnoted.

[John Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-1/2 ⭐️ book about eight black members of Congress from South Carolina during Reconstruction and the early Jim Crow years. No others until Jim Clyburn was elected in the 1960’s. Most were former slaves!

[Lily Cigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing history of the first Eight Congressional members from South Carolina who came into power after the Civil War. Most of this history I knew nothing about and the beautiful way it is interwoven with the current events in this country is so very poignant.

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible personal biography that tells the story of the eight Black congressmen from South Carolina and also Clyburn's as well. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Jan]

dnf.

[Oren T. Bergfald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important Historical Events

A must read for all. Learning about the initial Black Congressmen beginning the Era of Reconstruction was both humbling and inspiring.

[Tony Korder · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Anything that has happened before can happen again “
We need more books like this and more people to share their experience.

[Marie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historial read.

[Rafael Suleiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good political memoir.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting and important content but I fear Mr Clyburn should not launch a second career as an audiobook narrator any time soon

[Maria C · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent historical research and important parallels to today's political climate.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical view of the first 8 Black Congressmen from South Carolina during Reconstruction. WE must know our history in order to move forward.

[Nancy Cozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic look at the first 8 Black Congressman who were elected to South Carolina state/federal Congress. I only heard of Robert Smalls and was glad to learn of the others!

[Brad Kohler · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing story of U.S. history during Reconstruction era with personal ties and patterns relating to the modren era, documenting the struggle to realize the promised benefits of emancipation

[Elaine Schuttinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history.