Blessed Experiences

"A most welcome memoir by a remarkable role model of unquestioned character."—Kam Williams

"One of the ten best black books of 2014"—The Skanner

"Jim Clyburn's book Blessed Experiences has captured not just the history of this tireless leader's more-than-four decades in public service, but also a sense of the times. His professional life, which stretches from the Civil Rights Act to his current leadership position in the U.S. Congress, reflects the progress of the nation. While Jim has broken many barriers as the most significant African American member of Congress, his true success comes from his approach to collaboration on the national issues, as well as his ability to understand the needs of the constituency that he represents."—Warren Buffett

"Teddy Roosevelt famously praised 'the man in the arena.' Jim Clyburn's inspirational memoir clearly shows the achievements of a man who has lived his life battling in the arena—a master—politician and leading figure in the civil rights movement in South Carolina, reflecting on his life and motivations."—Ernest F. "Fritz" Hollings, Former U.S. senator

"There are few people with more character and integrity, or who have lived a more interesting and dynamic life, than Jim Clyburn. He has great insight, and it's been my honor to serve with him."—Joe Biden

"Inspired and inspiring, Blessed Experiences is informative reading and highly recommended for both community and academic library Black Studies and American Biography collections."—James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review

"Congressman James Clyburn has displayed a rare mix of wisdom, wit and compassion throughout his illustrious career. He's been a pillar of the community and well-respected representative of the people whether he's on the House floor or at the annual fish fry back in his district. He's a tireless statesman and true Southern gentleman who has demonstrated that he has the courage to challenge conventional wisdom, the political clout to build consensus, and the unwavering commitment to be a champion for those whose agenda is to reach higher ground."—Debra L. Lee, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, BET Networks

"Blessed Experience: Genuinely Southern, Proudly Black by Congressman James Clyburn is a revelation. This candid autobiography not only charts Clyburn's improbable rise to senior leadership positions in the House of Representatives but also powerfully illuminates America's struggle to free itself from the despair and discrimination that accompanied Jim Crow segregation. Clyburn's words make clear how central the role of local and grass roots activism was in the struggle to find racial justice in places like South Carolina, and helps us better understand the origins of Clyburn's lifelong commitment to help America became a country where fairness and equality trump bigotry and hopelessness."—Lonnie G. Bunch, Founding Director, Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.

"A remarkable chronicle of a remarkable life, Blessed Experiences provides a vivid and unforgettable portrait of the Jim Crow South on the eve of its extinction and of a man dedicated to bringing its oppression and injustice to an end. James Clyburn helps us remember our all-too-recent past and the struggles and sacrifices he and so many others endured to build a better world for us all."—Drew Gilpin Faust, President and Lincoln Professor of History, Harvard University

"The remarkable life, career, and growing legacy of James Clyburn is a story that had to be told and is best told by he who lived it. The upward climb from obscurity to leadership positions in South Carolina and the United States Congress is inspiring and motivation to dream both long and large. The achievements are the more inspiring because Jim Clyburn achieved success as a State Official and National Leader coming from a State which still embraces and endorses the Confederacy, therefore racism. Mr. Clyburn, please keep up the good work and we pray much your strength!"—John H. Adams, 87th Bishop, African Methodist Episcopal Church

2015 Independent Publisher Book Award—Silver Medal Winner for Autobiography/Memoir I (celebrity) / Political / Romance