U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06) has announced the schedule for his 2025 South Carolina tour promoting his new book, The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation. The book, published by Little, Brown and Company, is set for release on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
The book chronicles the lives of the eight pioneering Black South Carolinians who served in the U.S. Congress before Clyburn. It explores the events that created the significant 95-year gap between the last of those eight and Clyburn, who became the ninth.
During the statewide tour, Congressman Clyburn will engage in public conversations focusing on leadership, public service, and the lessons found in South Carolina’s unique place in American history. The book aims for readers to come to know these extraordinary South Carolinians and the important lessons their experiences teach.
The tour will kick off on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Charleston Literary Festival. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon at the Dock Street Theatre, located at 135 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401. Dr. Tonya Matthews, President and CEO of the International African American Museum, will moderate the launch event.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
