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 an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 6th congressional district, a position he has held since 1992. Representing a district with a significant African-American population, Clyburn is a prominent figure in South Carolina politics. Following Joe Cunningham's departure in 2021, Clyburn became the sole Democrat in South Carolina's congressional delegation, and has been the dean of the state's delegation since 2011, following John Spratt's re-election loss.

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 would later become a U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 6th congressional district.

1961: Marriage to Emily England Clyburn

In 1961, Jim Clyburn married Emily England Clyburn, who remained his spouse until her death in 2019.

1965: Voting Rights Act

Before the Voting Rights Act of 1965, racial discrimination prompted the Supreme Court to require the 6th district to be redrawn as a black-majority district after the 1990 census.

1968: Orangeburg Massacre

In 1968, following the Orangeburg massacre where police killed three protesting students at South Carolina State, Jim Clyburn was appointed as the Commissioner of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission.

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

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

1970: Kent State and Jackson State Killings

In 1970, occurred the Kent State shootings and Jackson State killings, where student protesters demonstrating against the U.S. invasion of Cambodia during the Vietnam War were killed.

1990: Redrawing of District Lines

In 1990, following the census, South Carolina's district lines were redrawn. Due to prior racial discrimination, the 6th district was reconfigured as a black-majority district.

2004: Voted Against Counting Ohio's Electoral Votes

In 2004, Jim Clyburn was among 31 House Democrats who voted against counting Ohio's electoral votes in the presidential election.

July 31, 2007: Broadcast Interview

On July 31, 2007, Jim Clyburn stated in a broadcast interview that it would be a "real big problem" for the Democratic Party if General David Petraeus issued a positive report in September regarding the Iraq War.

2007: National Journal Ranking

In 2007, the National Journal ranked Jim Clyburn as the 77th most liberal U.S. representative.

2010: Redistricting After 2010 Census

After the 2010 census, Jim Clyburn's district was reconfigured, shifting south to include majority-black precincts near Beaufort and Hilton Head Island.

2012: Support for Same-Sex Marriage

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

2019: Death of Emily England Clyburn

In 2019, Emily England Clyburn, Jim Clyburn's wife since 1961, passed away.

2020: Endorsement of Joe Biden

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