Longtime House Democrat Passes Away
Former Missouri Representative Bill Clay Sr. has passed away at the age of 94. He was the state’s first Black congressman and served for 32 years in the U.S. House.
A dedicated advocate for civil and workers’ rights, Clay represented Missouri’s 1st district from 1969 to 2001. He played a key role in revitalizing St. Louis after the “white flight” that followed the Civil Rights Act.
His political influence was significant, and he was known for demanding strong loyalty from those he endorsed. His son, former Congressman Lacy Clay, remembered him as a fighter for the Black community.
Clay’s career in public service began early. He was first elected to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen in 1959 at the age of 28, during a time of rigid segregation enforced by custom.
He was a central figure in sit-in protests against segregated businesses. He later co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971, creating a legacy for future Black leaders.
Prominent St. Louis Democrats paid tribute to his transformative impact. Mayor Cara Spencer credited him for historic legislative battles on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised.
His legacy includes co-authoring the Family and Medical Leave Act and raising the minimum wage. He is remembered as a trailblazer whose courageous service changed countless lives locally and nationally.
