Missouri Democratic Representative Bill Clay Sr., the first African American congressman from the state, passed away on Thursday after a distinguished 32-year tenure in the U.S. House. He was 94 years old.
Clay, an advocate for civil and workers’ rights, served the state’s 1st district from 1969 until 2001, playing a pivotal role in St. Louis’ revitalization following the phenomenon of ‘white flight’ that occurred after the Civil Rights Act. He negotiated with construction unions and corporate executives to transform his hometown into the vibrant cityscape that now surrounds its iconic arch.
The endorsements from prominent Democrats significantly influenced the electoral prospects of fellow party members, and he was recognized for insisting on steadfast loyalty from those who earned his endorsement.
“The Black community, almost unanimously, regarded him as a champion for their cause,” remarked his son, former Congressman Lacy Clay (D-MO).
In the years following the passage of the 1965 Civil Rights Act, African Americans in St. Louis swiftly sought to seize power in a city that had historically segregated its communities through discriminatory redlining practices. Clay Sr. was a visionary, winning his first election to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen in 1959 at the young age of 28.
He became a prominent figure during sit-ins as members of St. Louis’ African American community protested against the segregation imposed by businesses like White Castle and Howard Johnson, which enforced separate seating and accommodations for black and white patrons.
“St. Louis was no different from any of the cities in the South,” Clay stated in a 1998 profile. “We had strict segregation — not mandated by law, but by societal norms.”
St. Louis Democrats who grew up under Clay’s influence paid their respects to him on Friday.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer expressed to SLNPR that Clay’s “brave legacy of public service to St. Louis and the nation is permanently inscribed in his his toric legislative efforts for the impoverished, underrepresented, and disenfranchised.”
“Millions owe their gratitude to him for the Family and Medical Leave Act and for increasing the minimum wage,” Spencer remarked. “Generations of Black congressional leaders have walked in his path as members of the Congressional Black Caucus, which he co-founded in 1971. We express our appreciation for his selfless service to a city he held in high regard.”
Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO) referred to Clay as a “giant — not merely for St. Louis, not solely for Missouri, but for the whole of our nation.”
“I regarded Mr. Clay as a significant mentor, a pioneer, and a cherished friend,” Bell stated. “However, beyond that, I carry his example with me each time I enter the House Floor.”
The Congressional Black Caucus, which boasts a historic 62 members in the 119th Congress, issued a statement saying, “Congressman Bill Clay leaves a legacy characterized by dignity, bravery, and transformative influence. His efforts established the groundwork for future generations of Black leadership in public service. May he rest in power and in perpetuity.”
St. Louis Democratic Mayor Cara Spencer expressed, “On behalf of the City of St. Louis, I wish to extend my condolences to the family of one of St. Louis’ esteemed native sons, Congressman Bill Clay Sr. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his son, Lacy Clay, who has been a staunch advocate for the City of St. Louis.”
Michael P. McMillan, president & CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, wrote, “The Urban League conveys our deepest sympathies to the Clay Family following the passing of former Congressman William L. Clay, Sr. He was a towering figure in Congress and a civil rights trailblazer who played a crucial role in transforming St. Louis and improving the lives of countless individuals both locally and nationally. He had a significant influence on me personally as we collaborated on numerous initiatives. His legacy endures and should always be honored.”
