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.

The endorsements from prominent Democrats significantly influenced the electoral prospects of fellow party members, and he was recognized for insisting on steadfast loyalty from those who earned his endorsement.
“The Black community, almost unanimously, regarded him as a champion for their cause,” remarked his son, former Congressman Lacy Clay (D-MO).

In the years following the passage of the 1965 Civil Rights Act, African Americans in St. Louis swiftly sought to seize power in a city that had historically segregated its communities through discriminatory redlining practices. Clay Sr. was a visionary, winning his first election to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen in 1959 at the young age of 28.