William L. Clay (Finding Aid)

William L. Clay

1931 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Barbeque and hamburgers

Favorite Vacation Spot: Spain and Jamaica

Interview Length: 166 minutes

Interview Date(s): January 22, 2003

Interview Location(s): Silver Spring, MD

Abstract

William Clay shares stories of his childhood, from being carried by three siblings who had to share a single pair of shoes to the rampant segregation of Depression era St. Louis. Educated in Catholic schools with his tuition paid by a white philanthropist, Clay says his education was less than subpar due to racism and segregation. A mischevious youth, he recalls his first run-in with the police who accused him of being involved in a murder. This incedent eventually propelled him into politics. He also talks about the pride he took in his first job and being drafted into the Army after graduating from college. William Clay picks up his life story from his collegiate years at St. Louis University to the beginning of his political career. Clay's future strength as a coalition builder and vanguard began during his Army years where he was suddenly confronted by Jim Crow laws of the south. Frustrated with the sub-human treatement, he led boycotts and personally integrated the Army pool. His tenure in the NAACP Youth Council honed his political skills, but he and his compatriots were too progressive for the national office which revoked thier local charter. Those aligned with Clay splintered off into CORE, and those supporters helped propel him into an aldermanic seat in the St. Louis City Council. William Clay decides to run for U.S. Representative from Missouri after a long stint as St. Louis City Alderman. He reveals that after a reapportionment, the Democratic Party fought the creation of this all-black district all the way to court. It was only with the help of the Republican Party that the district came into existance. Clay gives extensive accounts of the hig level of discrimination blacks faced in the workplace, particullary skilled and union laborers He discusses the legislative measures he took to reverse these discriminatory practices during his tenure as alderman. He also details how his rise to power was forged with strong union ties and unexpected alliances across racial lines. William Clay reveals just how the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) came into existence. With the seating of nine black Representatives at one time, the House anad the White House suddenly had to face this unified group of lawmakers on thier terms. The CBC used thier successful skills of coalition building and agitation to bow the will if the majority to begin to implement some of their ideas. Clay also discusses how, as the CBC Historian, he decided to write his book, "Permanent Interests." He also reveals how he and fellow CBC members played a hand in helping Randall Robinson create TransAfrica. This segment encompasses Clay's descriptions of his years in Congress as a major legislator and his ups and downs with the White House. He is most proud of his 22 year effort to pass the Hatch Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act. He dispels some common myths that John Kennedy and Jimmy Carter were favorable towards black interests and civil rights. In particular, he details how he beleives Jimmy Carter worked to thwart the Martin Luther King Holiday bill. Clay is most profoundly disturbed by the hagiographic treatment of Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew, both of whom Clay felt nearly destroyed the United States with thier criminal activities in the White House. Clay reveals that Nixon placed him on an "enemies list" and used various means to destroy his political career. William Clay wraps up his interview with a retelling of the infamous Jefferson Bank boycott which casued him to be jailed for nearly six months for contempt of court. He continues with his assessment of the true motives of white politicians -- to gain black support and discard it after elections to maintain their base of support. He goes on to define what he thinks makes a great politician and contemplates the future of black America. The segment closes with almost 19 photos of William Clay during his political career.

77 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)