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, Politics, Nonfiction

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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[J R · 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.