U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell would like Americans to have the option of using a postage stamp carrying the image of the late former U.S. Rep. William L. Clay Sr.
Bell formally proposed the stamp in a House bill introduced Sept. 17.
“William Lacy Clay Sr. was a giant — not just for St. Louis, not just for Missouri, but for the entire country,” the Democratic congressman said. “A commemorative stamp is a small but lasting way to honor his enormous impact — and to remind future generations of the values he stood for.”
Clay served in Congress for three decades, representing Missouri’s First Congressional District, the St. Louis-area district Bell now serves. Bell noted that Clay fought for civil rights, working people, and “those too often left out or unheard.”
“His legacy lives on in the movement he helped build, the Black lawmakers he helped lift up, and the community he never stopped serving.”
Clay became the first African American to be elected to Congress from Missouri in November 1968 and was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
“Known for his unwavering commitment to principle, Clay left an indelible mark on labor rights, education, and civil rights legislation,” Bell said.
Clay, who died on July 16, 2025, retired in 2001. He was succeeded by his son, former U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay Jr., who served for two decades.
Republican U.S. Reps. Jason Smith and Sam Graves, both of Missouri, are among the cosponsors of the bill.