Tributes flooded in from across Missouri and the nation following the death of Bill Clay Sr., honoring his decades of service and his groundbreaking role in American politics.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer called Clay’s career a courageous legacy. “His historic legislative battles for the poor, underrepresented, and disenfranchised will never be forgotten,” she said. Spencer highlighted Clay’s role in shaping key national policies, including his influence on the Family and Medical Leave Act and efforts to raise the minimum wage.
Congressman Wesley Bell described Clay as “a giant — not just for St. Louis, not just for Missouri, but for the entirety of our country.” Bell said Clay was both a mentor and a trailblazer, whose example still guides him every time he walks onto the House floor.
Clay was also a co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971, which now includes a record 62 members. In a statement, the caucus praised him as a leader whose “work laid the foundation for future generations of Black leadership in public service.”
Community leaders in St. Louis echoed the praise. Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, said Clay was “a civil rights pioneer who helped transform St. Louis and change the lives of countless people locally and nationally. His legacy remains and should always be remembered.”
Clay’s impact stretched far beyond politics. He leaves behind a reputation as a fearless advocate for justice and equality, a builder of coalitions, and a voice for those often left unheard. For St. Louis, Missouri, and the country, his loss marks the end of an era — but his influence will continue to shape the generations that follow.
