Show-Me State Times

The first African-American to represent Missouri in Congress, Congressman William L. Clay Sr., has passed away at the age of 94. He served 32 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Clay, a towering figure in the fight for civil rights and social justice — both nationally and here in St. Louis,” said Rochelle D. Smith, SLU’s vice president for diversity and innovative community engagement. “We are sending our prayers and deepest sympathies to the entire Clay family.”

Born on April 30, 1931, in St. Louis, Congressman Clay grew up as one of nine children in a North St. Louis tenement apartment without indoor plumbing or hot water. He began working at age 13 as a janitor and later as a tailor.

After excelling academically, he graduated from Saint Louis University with a bachelor’s degree in history and political science in 1953. Following his graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he organized a boycott protesting discriminatory practices.

In 1959, he won his first elected office as alderman of St. Louis's 26th Ward after an unexpected victory. His advocacy continued with protests against discriminatory practices at local establishments leading to over 100 days of jail time for his role in such demonstrations.

Elected to Congress in 1968, Clay became known for representing underrepresented communities stating, “I represent those who are in need of representation.” During his tenure, he sponsored over 100 bills that became law including significant contributions like securing the Family and Medical Leave Act.

His career was marked by principled independence; when retiring in 2001 as one of the most senior members of Congress, his son William Lacy Clay Jr., succeeded him.

In education advocacy, Congressman Clay established scholarships supporting high school seniors from Missouri’s 1st Congressional District transitioning recently into an institute within SLU focusing on civic engagement.

“Through the generous support of Congressman Clay and his family, his lifelong commitment to equity, dignity and service will continue to shape our mission,” Smith stated further honoring him posthumously with accolades like SLU's Pioneer Award recognizing leadership paving ways for others.

Congressman Clay is survived by his son William Lacy Clay Jr., two daughters Vicki and Michelle; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren following preceding death earlier this year by wife Carol Johnson Clay whom he married over seven decades ago.