Founding CBC Member and Missouri Trailblazer Bill Clay Sr. Dies at 94

July 18, 2025

William Lacy Clay Sr. , a civil rights leader and founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, has died at 94. In 1968, he made history as Missouri's first Black congressman, serving 32 years in the U.S. House where he championed labor rights, education, and social justice initiatives.

Who is affected

The Clay family, including his son William Lacy Clay Jr.
The Congressional Black Caucus
Missouri's 1st District constituents
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)
Black political representation nationally
Federal employees (through his Hatch Act reforms)
Workers protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act

What action is being taken

The Congressional Black Caucus and political figures are publicly honoring Clay's legacy
The National Newspaper Publishers Association is extending condolences to Clay's family
Political leaders like Rep. Wesley Bell and CBC Chair Yvette Clarke are acknowledging Clay's contributions

Why it matters

Clay was one of the 13 founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus
He was Missouri's first Black congressman, representing a historic turning point for Black political representation
His 32-year tenure included significant legislative achievements, including the Family and Medical Leave Act and Hatch Act reforms
He helped build the Congressional Black Caucus into "a force for equity and accountability in American Democracy"
His work laid the foundation for future generations of Black leadership in public service

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint