Missouri Democratic Representative Bill Clay Sr., the first African American congressman from the state, passed away on Thursday after a distinguished 32-year tenure in the U.S. House. He was 94 years old.
Clay, an advocate for civil and workers’ rights, served the state’s 1st district from 1969 until 2001, playing a pivotal role in St. Louis’ revitalization following the phenomenon of ‘white flight’ that occurred after the Civil Rights Act. He negotiated with construction unions and corporate executives to transform his hometown into the vibrant cityscape that now surrounds its iconic arch.