Bill Clay Sr., Missouri’s first Black congressman and a powerful force in the civil rights movement, passed away at the age of 94. For more than three decades, Clay served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Missouri’s 1st Congressional District from 1969 to 2001. His career was defined by an unwavering commitment to social justice, civil rights, labor protections, and equality for all Americans.

Born and raised in segregated St. Louis, Clay saw injustice firsthand and dedicated his life to fighting it. At just 28, he entered local politics, winning a seat on the St. Louis Board of Aldermen. During the 1960s, he became a visible leader in the civil rights struggle, organizing protests, sit-ins, and marches to challenge racial discrimination. His grassroots activism earned him a reputation as a bold and principled leader.

Elected to Congress in 1968, Clay became a trailblazer in Washington. In 1971, he helped co-found the Congressional Black Caucus, a vital platform for amplifying the voices of Black Americans in national policy. He worked tirelessly to advance civil rights legislation and was a champion of workers’ rights, helping to pass the Family and Medical Leave Act, which gave millions of Americans job-protected time off for family or medical needs.

Clay never forgot his roots. He worked hard to improve life in St. Louis, fighting urban decline and advocating for job creation and educational opportunities. He believed in lifting up his community and mentoring future leaders. His son, Lacy Clay, later followed in his footsteps, serving in Congress after his father’s retirement, extending the family’s legacy of public service.

Tributes poured in after his passing. Leaders across the country praised Clay as a pioneer, a man who used his voice, his vote, and his influence to drive real change. He was known not only for the laws he helped pass, but for his unwavering dedication to fairness, dignity, and opportunity—especially for those long ignored or left behind.

Bill Clay Sr. leaves behind a lasting legacy of leadership and courage. His life reminds us that justice takes time and persistence—and that one person, grounded in principle, can truly help transform a city, a state, and a nation.