Longtime House Democrat
Trailblazing Career
Missouri Democratic Rep. Bill Clay Sr., the state’s first Black congressman, died Thursday at 94 after 32 years in the U.S. House.
Representing St. Louis’ 1st district from 1969 to 2001,
he was a civil and workers’ rights advocate and co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971.
Civil Rights Leadership
Clay helped St. Louis recover after “white flight” and fought segregation.
He recalled, “St. Louis was no different from any of the cities in the South…
We had rigid segregation — not by law, but by custom.”
Legislative Impact
He championed policies like the Family and Medical Leave Act and raising the minimum wage.
“The Black community, almost overwhelmingly,
looked at him as a fighter for them,” said his son, former Congressman Lacy Clay (D-MO).
Legacy and Tributes
Leaders praised his influence: Congressman Wesley Bell called him “a giant,” and St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer said,
“Generations of Black congressional leaders have followed in his footsteps…
We thank him for his generous service to a city he cared deeply for.”
