Biography

James E. "Jim" Clyburn was born on July 21, 1940, in Sumter, South Carolina, to Enos Lloyd Clyburn, a fundamentalist minister, and Almeta Dizzley Clyburn, a beautician. He began his professional career as a public school teacher in Charleston, South Carolina, teaching English and Social Studies at Simonton Middle School and World History at C.A. Brown High School.

In 1971, Clyburn became the first African American advisor to a South Carolina governor when he joined Governor John C. West's staff. He later served as the state's Human Affairs Commissioner from 1974 to 1992.

In 1992, Clyburn was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first African American to represent South Carolina in Congress since 1897. He has represented South Carolina's 6th Congressional District since 1993.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in History from South Carolina State College , 1961.

• Political Experience:

  • U.S. House of Representatives:
  • Elected in 1992; serving continuously since 1993.
  • Served as House Majority Whip from 2007 to 2011 and from 2019 to 2022.
  • Served as Assistant Democratic Leader from 2011 to 2018 and from 2023 to March 2024.
  • State Government:
  • Advisor to Governor John C. West, 1971–1974.
  • South Carolina Human Affairs Commissioner, 1974–1992.

Notable Achievements

• Legislative Initiatives:

  • Sponsored legislation creating the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, and the Congaree National Park.
  • Advocated for the 10-20-30 federal funding formula to direct resources to impoverished communities.
  • Championed the "Accessible, Affordable Broadband for All" bill, included in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill with $65 billion in funding.

• Awards and Honors:

  • Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024.
  • Awarded the NAACP's Spingarn Medal in 2022.

• Political Influence:

  • Played a pivotal role in the 2020 presidential election by endorsing Joe Biden ahead of the South Carolina Democratic primary, significantly boosting Biden's campaign.

Clyburn's career reflects a steadfast commitment to public service, civil rights, and the advancement of underrepresented communities.