The Gist James Clyburn: "The World Would Much Rather See a Sermon Than Hear One."
Dec 18, 2025
James Clyburn, a long-serving U.S. Congressman and author, shares insights from his book, The First Eight, which explores the challenges faced by Black lawmakers during Reconstruction. He emphasizes that faith should drive action, referencing his father's belief in leading by example. Clyburn highlights the heroism of Robert Smalls and the complex choices made by figures like Thomas E. Miller. He reflects on Ulysses S. Grant's role in Reconstruction, assessing it through a political lens shaped by his own congressional experiences.
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Reparations Versus Targeted Anti-Poverty Programs
- Reparations studies often produce politically and financially untenable recommendations that make them impractical to implement.
- James Clyburn argues race‑neutral anti‑poverty programs could help the same communities while being more politically feasible.
Formative Influence Of His Father
- James Clyburn grew up with a father who prized reading and taught him early about black historical figures like Robert Smalls.
- That upbringing seeded Clyburn's lifelong interest in the pioneering Black congressmen he later wrote about.
History As A Cautionary Guide
- Clyburn reframed his historical project after 2020, seeing parallels between Reconstruction and attempts to overturn modern elections.
- He intended the book as instruction and a cautionary tale, not just history.