Rep. James Clyburn Donates Private Papers To South Carolina State University
South Carolina State University received its largest donation of private papers from any Black elected official in state history when alumnus Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., presented the school with his collection earlier this month.
Clyburn made the contribution during commencement weekend as he celebrated his 40th class reunion at the state’s land-grant institution.
Clyburn, the immediate past president of the Congressional Black Caucus, said S.C. State played an important role in his development, and he wanted to give something back that could have a significant impact on the university’s future.
“These papers represent the journey my life has taken since I matriculated in September 1957,” Clyburn said. “The experiences I had on State’s campus, from freshman orientation, through civil rights activities, to meeting lifelong friends and my wife, Emily England, all help to make me whatever it is I am today.”
The extensive collection includes campaign paraphernalia and documents from the congressman’s campaigns for the State House of Representatives in 1970, Secretary of State in 1978 and 1986, all of his congressional races and his eight years of service in the U.S. Congress.
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