NPR’s Book of the Day – Rep. Jim Clyburn’s "The First Eight"

Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Michelle Martin
Guest: Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-SC)
Episode Theme: Exploring history, legacy, and the enduring relevance of Black congressional trailblazers, as highlighted in Rep. Jim Clyburn’s book The First Eight.

Episode Overview

This episode delves into Congressman Jim Clyburn’s new book, The First Eight, which chronicles the lives and impacts of eight Black congressmen from South Carolina who served before him. The discussion, anchored by Michelle Martin, reveals how the legacy of these men—not only in overcoming immense adversity but also in navigating issues such as racism and colorism—remains pertinent to today’s sociopolitical climate, especially in light of recent election events. Clyburn offers both a personal connection and pointed commentary on the cycles of history repeating themselves in American democracy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Record Straight: Black Congressional History

• [01:14] Michelle Martin introduces the common misconception that Clyburn is the first Black congressman from South Carolina. Clyburn’s book seeks to correct that, honoring his eight predecessors from the Reconstruction era who paved the way despite extraordinary challenges.

Early Influences & The Inspiration Behind the Book

• [02:04]–[02:15] Clyburn credits his father and his upbringing for introducing him to these historic figures, particularly Robert Smalls.

  • Quote:

    “My daddy was a real stickler for education... he introduced me to Robert Smalls.”
    — Jim Clyburn, 02:04

• [02:16]–[03:15] The interview spotlights Robert Smalls, a formerly enslaved man who commandeered a Confederate ship to freedom and later became the first Black Navy captain.

  • Quote:

    “Robert Smalls was number six in this group... he smuggled his wife onto the ship and took off... and his reward was his freedom. Everybody on the ship got their freedom.”
    — Jim Clyburn, 02:21–03:15

Parallels Between Past and Present: The Persistence of Electoral Manipulation

• [03:28]–[04:41] The discussion shifts to George Washington Murray, the last of the eight, who was deprived of his seat through “false electors”—a tactic echoed in contemporary events post-2020 election.

  • Quote:

    “Someone had taken a playbook from the 1876 election... When this happened is when I changed the direction of the book.”
    — Jim Clyburn, 04:05

• Clyburn describes how the book evolved from a simple historical account to an instructive warning for the present.

Intra-Community Dynamics: Colorism and Belonging

• [04:41]–[05:42] Beyond racism, Clyburn discusses the impact of colorism and intra-community divisions, such as “come here” vs. “been here” designations, on Black political agency.
  • Quote:

    “When I got to Charleston, I was told that I was a come here, not a been here... you need to work through all of that, and you aren’t going to work through it by avoiding it.”
    — Jim Clyburn, 05:07–05:41

The Question of Retirement and Legacy

• [05:42]–[06:44] When asked about his plans for reelection and the broader question of generational change, Clyburn shares that his family's annual “summit” will determine his next steps, emphasizing accountability and community support.
  • Quote:

    “We will have that meeting on the 20th of December... none of the voters down there are asking me to leave. In fact, just the opposite.”
    — Jim Clyburn, 06:17, 06:41

Lessons from the Past: Warnings & Hopes

• [06:44]–[07:47] Clyburn concludes that history’s patterns threaten to repeat unless Americans remain vigilant, highlighting the rise in African American male support for “style over substance” politicians.
  • Quote:

    “Anything that’s happened before can happen again... I used to say there’s no substitute for substance, but I don’t say that anymore because people seem to be more attracted by style these days than substance.”
    — Jim Clyburn, 06:51–07:47

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Robert Smalls' daring escape:
  “He smuggles a supply ship across Confederate lines into Union hands.”
  — Michelle Martin, 03:08

• On historical “false electors”:
  “Someone had taken a playbook from the 1876 election... I really almost started over with the book.”
  — Jim Clyburn, 04:05

• On facing persistent internal and external obstacles:
  “You need to work through all of that, and you aren’t going to work through it by avoiding it. All right.”
  — Jim Clyburn, 05:31

• On generational leadership and family accountability:
  “We started [our family summit] back in 1972. We will have that meeting... and during that time is when we go make a decision one way or the other.”
  — Jim Clyburn, 05:57–06:17

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction & correction of misconception: 01:14
• Clyburn’s background and early influences: 02:04–02:21
• Robert Smalls’ story: 02:21–03:15
• George Washington Murray and election manipulation parallels: 03:28–04:41
• Book’s changing focus post-2020: 04:05–04:41
• Discussion of colorism and “come here” / “been here”: 05:07–05:42
• Clyburn on reelection plans: 05:42–06:44
• Key takeaway from profiling the first eight: 06:44–07:47

Tone & Style

The conversation is warm, engaging, and frank—combining Clyburn’s storytelling about historic figures with direct commentary on present-day challenges and political realities. Both Martin and Clyburn interlace historical reflection with current events, grounding the dialogue in lived experience and ongoing struggles for justice and representation.

Conclusion

This episode offers a poignant exploration of how the struggles and resiliency of Black congressmen from the 19th century remain instructive in today’s turbulent American democracy. Clyburn’s reflections serve not merely as a historical account but as a cautionary tale and a call to awareness—reminding listeners:

“Anything that’s happened before can happen again.”
— Jim Clyburn, 06:51

The First Eight is positioned not just as a tribute to unsung heroes, but as a timely guide for navigating the complexities of representation, legitimacy, and resilience in American public life.