Rudy Clay (politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rudy Clay
19th Mayor of Gary, Indiana
In office April 7, 2006 – January 1, 2012
Preceded by	Scott L. King
Succeeded by	Karen Freeman-Wilson
Member of the Lake County, Indiana Commission from the 1st district
In office December 12, 1986 – April 7, 2006
Preceded by	N. Atterson Spann Jr.
Lake County, Indiana Recorder
In office January 1, 1985 – 1987
Preceded by	William Bielski Jr.
Succeeded by	Richard Blastick
Member of the Lake County, Indiana Council from the 4th district
In office 1978 – December 30, 1984
Preceded by	Frank Perry
Member of the Indiana Senate from the 3rd district
In office 1973–1977
Preceded by	John Franklin Shawley
Succeeded by	Katie Hall
Personal details
Born	(1935-07-16)July 16, 1935 Hillsboro, Alabama, U.S.
Died	June 4, 2013(2013-06-04) (aged 77) Gary, Indiana, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Christine Swan
Children	1
Military service
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1959–1961

Rudolph M. Clay Sr. (July 16, 1935 – June 4, 2013) was an American leader and politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party in Indiana. Clay served in the Indiana Senate and in local government in Lake County, Indiana. He also became the 19th Mayor of Gary, Indiana.

He made history as the first Black person elected to the state senate from Lake County. He was also the first Black person elected to a county-wide position in Lake County. Clay was born in Hillsboro, Alabama. He grew up in Indiana and served in the United States Army. He was also active in the Civil Rights Movement.

Early Life and Education

Rudolph Clay Sr. was born in Hillsboro, Alabama, on July 16, 1935. His parents were Willie and Maxie Clay. After his mother passed away, his aunts Lucy Hunter and Daisy Washington raised him.

He finished high school at Roosevelt High School in 1953. He then went to Indiana University Bloomington. In 1957, he married Christine Swan, and they had one child. Clay joined the United States Army in 1959. He served for two years, mostly as a Chaplain Assistant, before leaving the army in 1961.

Public Service and Career

Civil Rights Work

Clay was deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. He took part in marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s. In 1970, he received an award from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. This award recognized him as an outstanding activist. He also worked for a civil rights group in Gary, Indiana, called the United Viscounts.

Serving in the State Senate

Clay began his political career by running for the Indiana Senate. In 1972, he won the Democratic nomination for the 3rd district. He then won the main election, becoming the first Black person to represent Lake County, Indiana in the state senate.

During his time in the senate, Clay worked on important committees. He was a key member of the Public Health committee. He also served on committees for Lake County affairs and natural resources.

In 1973, Clay and two other Black representatives refused to attend a dinner. They were invited to The Columbia Club, but the club did not allow Black members. The Indiana NAACP supported their decision.

Clay also helped during a difficult situation at the Indiana State Prison in 1973. Prisoners had taken control and held officers hostage. Clay offered to help talk to the prisoners. After he spoke with them, one officer was released, and the situation ended peacefully.

Local Government Roles

After his time in the state senate, Clay continued to serve his community. In 1978, he was elected to the Lake County, Indiana Council. He served as president of the council during his time there.

In 1984, Clay was elected as the Lake County Recorder. This made him the first Black person elected to a county-wide position in Lake County. He then joined the Lake County Commission in 1986. While serving as a commissioner, he faced a dangerous situation near his home but continued his work.

Clay also played a role in national politics. In 1988, he ran as a delegate for Jesse Jackson during the presidential primaries. He won the delegate election, showing his strong support for Jackson. In 1993, he became the chair of the Gary Democratic Precinct Organization.

Mayor of Gary

Clay became the Mayor of Gary after Mayor Scott L. King resigned. He served as mayor until 2012. As mayor, he worked to lead the city of Gary.

Political Views

Clay had clear views on important issues. In 1974, he called for the United States House of Representatives to remove President Richard Nixon from office. He also wrote to President Gerald Ford to oppose raising food stamp prices.

Clay supported a change to the U.S. Constitution. He wanted the president to be elected by popular vote, not by the electoral college. He also worked to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a state holiday in Indiana.

Death and Legacy

Rudolph Clay passed away on June 4, 2013, in Gary. In 2014, a part of U.S. Route 20 that runs through Gary was named in his honor. This was done to remember his many years of service and his important contributions.

Images for kids

• 

  Katie Hall, who defeated Clay in the 1976 Democratic primary.