Former Congressman

Former U.S. Rep. William Lacy “Bill” Clay Sr. has died at the age of 94.

Clay made history as Missouri’s first Black member of Congress and represented the St. Louis area for 32 years. He was first elected in 1968 and served until 2001.

Before entering Congress, Clay was active in the civil rights movement and fought against segregation in St. Louis. He later became known for supporting workers’ rights, poor communities, and equal opportunity.

Clay was also one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, a group created to give Black lawmakers a stronger voice in national politics.

During his long career, he worked on issues such as family leave, minimum wage, education funding, and civil rights.

His death marks the loss of a major figure in Missouri politics and American civil rights history.