Firing Line with Margaret Hoover Rep. Jim Clyburn tells the cautionary tale of ‘The First Eight’
Jan 17, 2026
Jim Clyburn, a long-serving U.S. Representative from South Carolina, discusses his book, The First Eight, which highlights the stories of the first eight Black congressmen during Reconstruction. He delves into the historical gap that followed, criticizing modern parallels between 19th-century Redeemer tactics and current MAGA strategies. Clyburn emphasizes the importance of the Voting Rights Act and warns against the erosion of civil rights. He reflects on his legacy, urging future leaders to focus on community over ambition, and shares insights on making America accessible for all.
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Mistaken For The First
- Jim Clyburn recounts how people often thought he was the first Black congressman from South Carolina, prompting him to research the earlier eight.
- That conversation in his office motivated him to write The First Eight to restore their place in history.
How Jim Crow Was Built Legally
- Clyburn explains Redeemer Democrats worked to reverse Reconstruction without violating the Constitution.
- They used legislatures and courts to build Jim Crow through legal and political maneuvers.
Robert Smalls' Bold Escape
- Clyburn tells Robert Smalls' story: born enslaved, he escaped by commandeering a Confederate steamship and gained fame.
- Smalls met Lincoln, helped recruit formerly enslaved soldiers, and significantly affected the Civil War's outcome.
