Bill Clay

William Lacy Clay Sr. (April 30, 1931 – July 17, 2025) was an American politician from Missouri.  As Congressman from Missouri's First District, he represented portions of St. Louis in the U.S. House of Representatives for 32 years.

Clay was elected to the House of Representatives as a Democrat in 1968.  He became an advocate for environmentalism, labor issues, and social justice.

Poplar Street Bridge, which connects St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois, was renamed on October 7, 2013, Congressman William L. Clay Sr. Bridge.

Clay died on July 17, 2025 at his daughter's home in Adelphi, Maryland at the age of 94.Bill Clay Sr., Missouri’s first Black congressman who wielded power for 32 years, dies at 94

References

Other websites
 Biographic sketch at U.S. Congress website
 The History Makers 
 The William L. Clay Scholarship and Research Fund


Category:1931 births
Category:2025 deaths
Category:United States representatives from Missouri
Category:American environmentalists
Category:Politicians from St. Louis, Missouri
Category:Democratic Party (United States) politicians
Category:African-American politicians