Treasures in Our Own Backyard: William L. Clay, Sr.

When it comes to amazing Silver Spring residents, William (Bill) Clay, Sr. is one of the first names that come to mind. Some might say “Bill Clay who?” unknowing that his list of accomplishments are long and far reaching and have most likely positively impacted their own lives. No, he’s not a rock star, and he doesn’t star in a popular TV series or light up the silver screen, his illustrious career was spent humbly serving the American people. 

Clay, Sr., a U. S. Congressman for Missouri (D) came to Washington in 1969, after his grass roots political career spurred by his civil rights activism carried him all the way to the halls of the United States Congress.

In congress, Clay successfully sponsored, co-sponsored and managed legislation of almost 300 bills that became law— a legacy few members accomplish—all vital pieces of legislation championing the civil rights of women, the disabled, minorities, the working class and union workers. Within his  long and illustrious career he ultimately became a ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and Labor where he was the key sponsor of The Family Medical Leave Act, legislation providing up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for birth or adoption of a child, or for illness including the care of a seriously ill family member.

He also became the chair of the Subcommittee on Post Office and Civil Service where he sponsored The Hatch Act. It gave federal and postal workers the right to participate in the political process, the same as other citizens. 

Though he’s been retired from congress for the last ten years, retirement for Clay has certainly not meant sitting back letting the grass grow under his feet.  Also an author, he continues to author books of a political nature. Thus far five of his books have been published, Just Permanent Interests, To Kill or Not to Kill: Thoughts on Capital Punishment,  Black Americans in Congress, Integrating The Jefferson Bank,” and his memoir A Political Voice At the Grass Roots. 

Clay’s greatest legacy of which he is most proud is the William L. Clay Scholarship and Research Fund, which he established in 1983, with a desire to “invest in the lives of talented young people who show promise of great return to society.”  Since its inception, the Bill Clay Scholarship fund has provided full four-year scholarships to over 225 deserving scholars at over 50 major colleges across the nation. 

Clay had a quest to fulfill his mission to represent Americans traditionally ignored and neglected by the powers that set policy, he’s challenged presidents and powerful members of congress and even dared to write about it.  And while a man with power is great, even greater is a man with power who “ain’t” afraid to use it. 

Now that’s Bill Clay, Sr., in a nutshell!