Greer City Councilman is inspired by Jim Clyburn's steadfastness and his bestseller
- Charles Reams 1
- Dec 18, 2025
- 1 min read
Greer City Councilman Karuiam Booker, a long-time admirer of Congressman Jim Clyburn, attended the seminar/book-signing in Sumter.
Sumter native Clyburn, 86, started his book tour in Sumter on Sunday, Nov. 16, as part of his statewide tour to promote his new book, "The First Eight.”
The event was held at Patriot Hall, with the program presentation, followed by a book signing and reception.
According to Booker, an excited audience of about 150 people strong eagerly got their books signed. Many seemed to know Clyburn personally; others indeed were acquainted with his congressional work.
Copies of the book were gobbled up, forcing some to lend their copies to friends and relatives until they could get their own.
Booker said he was impressed with the command of events and dates of the history of the congressional district that Clyburn displayed.
Clyburn said that about 16 Black people served in the U.S. Congress during Reconstruction from 1865 to 1877, including two Senators, Hiram Revels and Blanche K. Bruce, and 14 Representatives. Others included Joseph Rainey and John Lynch.
Reconstruction was dismantled by one vote that ushered in Jim Crow. Such a narrow margin triggered significant changes in the South.
Clyburn outlined how he galvanized the community instead of trying to do everything himself. He said that by studying each of his predecessors, he learned essential lessons on how to serve and get reelected.
In turn, Booker, a serious public servant, learns from Clyburn how to leverage connections to boost his career.
