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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 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 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 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.
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Published November 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 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.
June 26, 2026
A book that truly opened my eyes to names and stories that more Americans should know! It was fascinating to read stories that took place in Charleston, and it is a bittersweet reminder of the city’s troubled and dismaying history. However, I appreciated this book because as I do love living in Charleston, it is important to never forget its origins. There is always opportunity for growth, and I hope Charleston continues to follow that path. Other than that, a tad hard to follow along solely because of the 19th century time period!
July 17, 2026
While a short history, it does a good job touching on how much the system disenfranchised Black voters while also being a history book of the first Black congressmen of South Carolina.
We should remember their names
Joseph Hayne Rainey
Robert Carlos De Large
Robert Brown Elliott
Richard Harvey Cain
Alonzo Jacob Ransier
Robert Smalls
Thomas Ezekiel Miller
George Washington Murray
After Murray served in congress in 1897 there wouldn't be another Black congressman until 1992.
We should remember their names
Joseph Hayne Rainey
Robert Carlos De Large
Robert Brown Elliott
Richard Harvey Cain
Alonzo Jacob Ransier
Robert Smalls
Thomas Ezekiel Miller
George Washington Murray
After Murray served in congress in 1897 there wouldn't be another Black congressman until 1992.
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.
June 25, 2026
Most histories by politicians are automatically suspect. They tend to portray a political agenda instead of a search for historical truth. Jim Clyburn's history of the first eight black congressmen from South Carolina is different. Why? As the ninth black congressman (nearly a century later), he has unique access to a rich cultural history surrounding these men, much of which has been erased in wider white SC society. His political agenda is simple: To unearth and display the truth so that we can appreciate their stories.
In a SC high school classroom, I heard little of these men. I knew their names, but I heard little of their personalities and their narratives. Thankfully, Clyburn has rescued them here in one prominent place. I heard about Robert Smalls, a highly influential South Carolinian in the Civil War and its aftermath, in detail. I heard about a race struggling to establish its freed identity among organized white oppression.
Clyburn wrote this story during the rise of the MAGA movement in America, and history's parallels are eerily familiar. I won't enter into details, but I suggest interested parties explore them by reading this book. Clyburn explicitly portrays how similar the 19th-century and modern-day tactics are.
South Carolina held a unique place in the post-war US because it housed a black popular majority that whites oppressed to "redeem" their pre-war situation via Jim Crow. Despite the newly freed's bigger voting numbers, whites figured out how to suppress the vote through dubious practices. These eight congressmen - not all of whom were good and effective - were able to serve their state and country for a short time. Because of their historic roles, the peaks of their political careers were high and eloquent, but because of their opposition's vitriolic unity, their personal troughs were low. Many died destitute and unheralded.
Literally no one alive can write this history with the type of commentary that Clyburn provides. His perspective as a long-serving black politician in a different era chronicles the progress we've made and the need to conserve that progress. That makes this book an excellent treasure for curious minds to peruse, ponder, and proliferate in their lives. I'm grateful Clyburn preserved this history before he leaves public life and reminds us all about what we have to struggle for politically.
In a SC high school classroom, I heard little of these men. I knew their names, but I heard little of their personalities and their narratives. Thankfully, Clyburn has rescued them here in one prominent place. I heard about Robert Smalls, a highly influential South Carolinian in the Civil War and its aftermath, in detail. I heard about a race struggling to establish its freed identity among organized white oppression.
Clyburn wrote this story during the rise of the MAGA movement in America, and history's parallels are eerily familiar. I won't enter into details, but I suggest interested parties explore them by reading this book. Clyburn explicitly portrays how similar the 19th-century and modern-day tactics are.
South Carolina held a unique place in the post-war US because it housed a black popular majority that whites oppressed to "redeem" their pre-war situation via Jim Crow. Despite the newly freed's bigger voting numbers, whites figured out how to suppress the vote through dubious practices. These eight congressmen - not all of whom were good and effective - were able to serve their state and country for a short time. Because of their historic roles, the peaks of their political careers were high and eloquent, but because of their opposition's vitriolic unity, their personal troughs were low. Many died destitute and unheralded.
Literally no one alive can write this history with the type of commentary that Clyburn provides. His perspective as a long-serving black politician in a different era chronicles the progress we've made and the need to conserve that progress. That makes this book an excellent treasure for curious minds to peruse, ponder, and proliferate in their lives. I'm grateful Clyburn preserved this history before he leaves public life and reminds us all about what we have to struggle for politically.
June 10, 2026
I picked Jim Clyburn’s latest book because of what is transpiring in SC. At the time after the session ended. The government decided to reopen the question about Mr.Clayburn’s district. I realized I didn’t know much about what he has done for SC. Picking up his latest book was not what I expected. Instead it was about 8 previous Black congressman who came before him. It took Representative Clyburn 100 years to sit as he’s district representative.
The book is really a historical record not really a bio of all these men. It was the history of SC politics before and after reconstruction, and beyond.
There is much history of SC I was not aware of. SC had the largest Black population in the country. Which led to SC having the strongest reforms in the South. And why white supremist wanted to abolish black power in the state. What people didn’t realize the reforms and civil rights in SC didn’t only help the Black communities but everyone.
My take since Trump came to office was confederacy all over again but not just in the south. But the entire country. What Mr. Clyburn’s case and maybe he didn’t set out to show similarities of the MAGA movement and the Confederacy. That’s exactly the conclusion I came too.
He’s aim originally to inspire others by reading the history of unknown Black men who made a difference during reconstruction. But, it’s much more about showing the similarities of what these men were known as “Red Shirts”, white supremist, destruction of SC politics and the government vs. MAGA of today. It’s the same playbook. I finished the book after the results of the first black man, Jermaine Johnson, running in the primary and won last night in big win. Ironically in March he was thinking about leaving the race. After only three days with much pushback from his supporters. He decided to stay in the race. Reading the book was saddened me and I became very emotionally. But after the race was called, there is real excitement and hope for our state. Not only for the Black community but anyone who lives in SC.
If you are interested in SC or southern history or both. after and reconstruction. I recommend reading.
The book is really a historical record not really a bio of all these men. It was the history of SC politics before and after reconstruction, and beyond.
There is much history of SC I was not aware of. SC had the largest Black population in the country. Which led to SC having the strongest reforms in the South. And why white supremist wanted to abolish black power in the state. What people didn’t realize the reforms and civil rights in SC didn’t only help the Black communities but everyone.
My take since Trump came to office was confederacy all over again but not just in the south. But the entire country. What Mr. Clyburn’s case and maybe he didn’t set out to show similarities of the MAGA movement and the Confederacy. That’s exactly the conclusion I came too.
He’s aim originally to inspire others by reading the history of unknown Black men who made a difference during reconstruction. But, it’s much more about showing the similarities of what these men were known as “Red Shirts”, white supremist, destruction of SC politics and the government vs. MAGA of today. It’s the same playbook. I finished the book after the results of the first black man, Jermaine Johnson, running in the primary and won last night in big win. Ironically in March he was thinking about leaving the race. After only three days with much pushback from his supporters. He decided to stay in the race. Reading the book was saddened me and I became very emotionally. But after the race was called, there is real excitement and hope for our state. Not only for the Black community but anyone who lives in SC.
If you are interested in SC or southern history or both. after and reconstruction. I recommend reading.
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.
July 14, 2026
Our bookclub has read a number of titles addressing Reconstruction and Jim Crow including the comprehensive history: "The Rise and Fall of the Second American Republic: Reconstruction 1860-1920" by Manisha Sinha. "The First Eight..." adds a welcome and important supplement to these books with a very personal inside look at the first eight Black congressmen from South Carolina during Reconstruction. I say "welcome supplement" because their stories add important details of the Black pioneers who were involved in Reconstruction including their backstories, personalities contributions and failings - both personal and political. The story of the "Redeemers" (racist white South Carolinians and other southern states) successfully defeating these pioneers and erasing their accomplishments strikes a much more personal and tragic tone than other histories of Reconstruction/Jim Crow. And Representative Clyburn appropriately uses their life stories to clearly illustrate how history is tragically repeating itself in the current MAGA movement. An important read and highly recommended!
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.
February 22, 2026
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.
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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.
March 21, 2026
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!
April 20, 2026
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.
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
February 25, 2026
excellent historical research and important parallels to today's political climate.
April 8, 2026
Great historical view of the first 8 Black Congressmen from South Carolina during Reconstruction. WE must know our history in order to move forward.
April 15, 2026
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!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews