Leaders across Missouri and the nation honored his legacy. Cara Spencer called his work a “brave legacy of public service,” noting that “millions owe their gratitude to him” for contributions like the Family and Medical Leave Act and minimum wage increases. Wesley Bell described him as a “giant… for the whole of our nation.”

As a co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971, Clay helped open doors for future Black leaders. The group said his legacy was defined by “dignity, bravery, and transformative influence,” leaving a lasting mark on American public service.