Besides being a family man, Pal was a visionary, an entrepreneur, and a long time political leader in St. Louis, Missouri. He served as a democrat in the House of Representatives for over sixteen years. During his service he was instrumental in redistricting which won Missouri its first elected black congressman. As chairman of the Black Caucus he worked to pass laws aimed at keeping families together and serving the underserved.

Pal, was well loved and respected in both social and political arenas. He labored for equal rights at the side of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his picture hangs in the halls of Jefferson City Capital, but he is remembered most for his loving commitment to family.