Congressional Black Caucus Mourns the Passing of William Lacy "Bill" Clay Sr.

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) led the caucus in mourning the passing of former Congressman William Lacy "Bill" Clay Sr. of Missouri, a principled leader and tireless advocate for civil rights and economic justice. Born in 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri, Congressman Clay served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over three decades, becoming the first Black member of Congress from Missouri and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971. His legacy is marked by his dedication to labor rights, education, and social justice, shaping a more inclusive nation through his courage and conviction.

Key Takeaways:

• The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) issued a statement mourning the passing of former Congressman William Lacy "Bill" Clay Sr. of Missouri, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over three decades.
• Congressman Clay was the first Black member of Congress from Missouri and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971.
• He was a principled leader and a tireless advocate for civil rights and economic justice, fighting for labor rights, education, and social justice throughout his career in Congress.
• Congressman Clay's legacy laid the foundation for future generations of Black leadership in public service.
• He is survived by his son, former Congressman Lacy Clay Jr., who succeeded him in representing the people of Missouri in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Statistics:

• Congressman William Lacy "Bill" Clay Sr. served in the U.S. House of Representatives for over 30 years.
• He was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971.
• The Congressional Black Caucus has 61 members, representing the interests of the Black community in the U.S. Congress.

Sources:

• Congressional Black Caucus HR 19.01 2022 (no online publication date provided), Congressional Black Caucus Statement on the Passing of William Lacy "Bill" Clay Sr.