Bill Clay facts for kids

William Lacy Clay Sr., born on April 30, 1931, is an American politician from Missouri. He was a very important leader who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 32 years. He represented parts of St. Louis as a Congressman.

Growing Up and Early Career

William Clay was born in St. Louis, Missouri. His parents were Luella S. (Hyatt) and Irving Charles Clay. He went to Saint Louis University and graduated in 1953.

Serving His Country and Community

After college, Clay joined the United States Army. He served from 1953 to 1955. Later, he became an alderman in St. Louis. An alderman is like a city council member. He held this job from 1959 to 1964.

In 1963, Clay took part in a civil rights demonstration. This was a peaceful protest for equal rights. Because of his involvement, he spent 105 days in jail. Before becoming a Congressman, Clay worked as a real-estate broker. He also worked as a coordinator for labor unions. He helped city employees and steamfitters unions.

Family Life

William Clay married Carol Ann Johnson in 1953. They had three children together. One of their children is William Lacy Clay Jr.. His son later followed in his footsteps. William Jr. became a U.S. Representative too. The Clay family attended St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church. This church was mainly for Black members in St. Louis.

Making a Difference in Politics

Clay was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1968. He was a member of the Democratic Party. In Congress, he worked hard for many important causes.

Fighting for Important Issues

He became a strong supporter of environmentalism. This means protecting our planet and nature. He also cared deeply about labor issues. He worked to improve conditions for workers. Another key area for him was social justice. This means making sure everyone is treated fairly.

In 1993, Clay voted for the Family and Medical Leave Act. This law helps workers take time off for family or medical reasons. From 1991 to 1995, he led a special committee. This committee was about the Post Office and Civil Service. In 2000, he decided to retire from Congress. His son, Lacy, then took his place.

Honors and Recognitions

William L. Clay has received many honors for his work.

Centers and Funds

In 1996, a special center was named after him. It was called the William L. Clay Center for Molecular Electronics. Today, it is known as the Center for Nanoscience. This center is at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Clay also started a scholarship fund. It is called the William L. Clay Scholarship and Research Fund. This fund helps high school students go to college. It gives scholarships to students in Missouri's First Congressional District. The fund has been giving scholarships since 1985.

Bridge Renaming

A large bridge was also renamed in his honor. The Poplar Street Bridge connects St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois. On October 7, 2013, it became the Congressman William L. Clay Bridge.

William L. Clay also has a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame. This is a special honor for famous people from St. Louis.

Books Written by William Clay

William Clay has written several non-fiction books. These books share his thoughts and experiences.

• To Kill or Not to Kill: Thoughts on Capital Punishment (1990) ISBN: 0-89370-331-1
• Just Permanent Interests: Black Americans in Congress, 1870–1991 (1992) ISBN: 1-56743-000-7
• Racism in the White House: A Common Practice of Most United States Presidents (2002) ISBN: 0-88258-206-2
• Bill Clay: A Political Voice at the Grass Roots (2004) ISBN: 1-883982-52-9
• The Jefferson Bank Confrontation (2008) ISBN: 0-944514-34-0

See also

• List of African-American United States representatives