Childhood and Education Journey of Jim Clyburn in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Jim Clyburn. From birth to education, explore key events.

James Enos Clyburn is a U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 6th congressional district, serving since 1992. His district encompasses a majority-black population around Columbia and Charleston, and most of South Carolina's Black Belt. He is currently serving his 17th term in the House of Representatives. Since 2021, he is also the only Democrat in South Carolina's congressional delegation. Clyburn is also the dean of South Carolina's congressional delegation since 2011.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

July 21, 1940: James Enos Clyburn Born

On July 21, 1940, James Enos Clyburn was born. He is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. representative for South Carolina's 6th congressional district.

1961: Married Emily England

In 1961, Clyburn married Emily England Clyburn.

1965: Voting Rights Act

In 1965, prior to the Voting Rights Act, racial discrimination led to the redrawing of South Carolina's district lines after the 1990 census.

1968: Orangeburg Massacre

In 1968, the Orangeburg massacre occurred, where police killed three protesting students at South Carolina State. Following this event, Jim Clyburn was appointed by Governor West as the Commissioner of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission.

1969: Involvement in Charleston Hospital Strike and St. Julian Devine's Campaign

In 1969, Jim Clyburn became involved in politics during the Charleston hospital strike. He assisted in settling the protests at the Medical University of South Carolina and then became involved in St. Julian Devine's campaign for Charleston city council, creating the slogan "Devine for Ward Nine". Devine's victory marked the first African American on the council since Reconstruction, and Clyburn credited the campaign as his entry into electoral politics.

1970: Kent State and Jackson State Shootings

In 1970, student protesters were killed during the Kent State shootings by the National Guard and the Jackson State killings by police and state highway patrol. These events predated Jim Clyburn's appointment as Commissioner of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission.

1990: South Carolina's District Lines Redrawn

In 1990, after the census, South Carolina's district lines were redrawn. Due to prior racial discrimination, the Supreme Court mandated the 6th district to be reconfigured as a black-majority district. Robin Tallon retired and five African American candidates ran for the Democratic nomination.

2007: Ranked as Liberal U.S. Representative

In 2007, the National Journal ranked Jim Clyburn as the 77th most liberal U.S. representative, with a score of 81. This indicated that his voting record was more liberal than 81% of other House members.

2010: District Lines Redrawn After 2010 Census

In 2010, following the census, South Carolina's 6th congressional district was reconfigured, expanding south to include the majority-black precincts near Beaufort and Hilton Head Island while losing its portion of the Pee Dee.

2012: Supported same-sex marriage

In 2012, Clyburn publicly supported same-sex marriage after Obama's endorsement, stating that he had "evolved" from his previous disapproval rooted in his Christian faith. He advocated for nationwide legislation of marriage equality.

2020: Endorsement of Joe Biden

In 2020, Jim Clyburn played a pivotal role in the presidential election by endorsing Joe Biden three days before the South Carolina Democratic primary. This endorsement transformed Biden's campaign, leading to his nomination and eventual presidency.