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The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation
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.
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.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published November 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 3, 2025
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.
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.
October 10, 2025
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.
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.
December 31, 2025
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.
January 17, 2026
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.
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.
December 31, 2025
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.
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.
February 12, 2026
The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation is a powerful fusion of historical recovery and personal reflection. Congressman Jim Clyburn brings long-overdue attention to the eight Black men from South Carolina who entered Congress during Reconstruction trailblazers whose achievements were nearly erased by the rise of Jim Crow and the systematic dismantling of Black political power in the South.
What makes this book especially compelling is its dual lens. Clyburn writes not only as a historian preserving neglected legacies, but also as the ninth figure in this lineage someone who directly followed the path they forged nearly a century earlier. By weaving together biography, political history, and memoir, he offers readers both a sweeping account of Reconstruction-era progress and a sobering reflection on the fragility of democratic gains.
The portraits of figures such as Joseph Rainey, Robert Smalls, and Richard Cain are vivid and instructive. Their courage, intellect, and public service underscore how deeply African Americans shaped American democracy in its formative moments after the Civil War. At the same time, Clyburn does not shy away from examining the violent backlash and racial terror that erased their representation for generations.
Ultimately, The First Eight is not just an act of remembranc it is a call to understand continuity. It reframes Reconstruction not as a failed experiment, but as a foundation whose lessons remain urgent today. Thoughtful, accessible, and deeply personal, this book stands as both tribute and testimony.
What makes this book especially compelling is its dual lens. Clyburn writes not only as a historian preserving neglected legacies, but also as the ninth figure in this lineage someone who directly followed the path they forged nearly a century earlier. By weaving together biography, political history, and memoir, he offers readers both a sweeping account of Reconstruction-era progress and a sobering reflection on the fragility of democratic gains.
The portraits of figures such as Joseph Rainey, Robert Smalls, and Richard Cain are vivid and instructive. Their courage, intellect, and public service underscore how deeply African Americans shaped American democracy in its formative moments after the Civil War. At the same time, Clyburn does not shy away from examining the violent backlash and racial terror that erased their representation for generations.
Ultimately, The First Eight is not just an act of remembranc it is a call to understand continuity. It reframes Reconstruction not as a failed experiment, but as a foundation whose lessons remain urgent today. Thoughtful, accessible, and deeply personal, this book stands as both tribute and testimony.
January 8, 2026
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.
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.
January 29, 2026
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.
RECOMMENDATION: READ IT, DON’T LISTEN TO IT.
October 4, 2025
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.
January 20, 2026
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.
January 26, 2026
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.
January 5, 2026
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.
February 6, 2026
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.
October 31, 2025
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.
Read
November 22, 2025dnf.
January 4, 2026
Important Historical Events
A must read for all. Learning about the initial Black Congressmen beginning the Era of Reconstruction was both humbling and inspiring.
A must read for all. Learning about the initial Black Congressmen beginning the Era of Reconstruction was both humbling and inspiring.
January 20, 2026
“Anything that has happened before can happen again “
We need more books like this and more people to share their experience.
We need more books like this and more people to share their experience.
January 24, 2026
Great historial read.
February 9, 2026
A good political memoir.
February 14, 2026
Really interesting and important content but I fear Mr Clyburn should not launch a second career as an audiobook narrator any time soon
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews