Alexis Herman, the first Black U.S. Secretary of Labor, has passed away at the age of 77. Herman was appointed by former President Bill Clinton and served from 1997 to 2001. She had a long career in social work and civil rights, making significant contributions to American labor and women’s rights.
Clinton expressed his sadness at her passing, sharing that he and Hillary Clinton were heartbroken over the loss of their friend. Current Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer praised Herman as a trailblazer who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of American workers and their families.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1947, Herman grew up during a time of racial segregation. She later graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana and became involved in efforts to desegregate schools in her hometown. In 1977, she was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to lead the Women’s Bureau at the Department of Labor, where she focused on helping women find jobs and understand their rights in the workplace.
Herman’s career included working on Jesse Jackson’s 1988 presidential campaign and becoming the first Black woman to serve as CEO of the Democratic National Convention in 1992. Her confirmation as Secretary of Labor received bipartisan support, highlighting her ability to connect across political divides.
During her confirmation hearing, Herman emphasized her commitment to helping workers secure good jobs and improve their living standards. She wanted to ensure that working families had dignity and security.
After her death, many civil rights groups and labor organizations paid tribute to her legacy. The NAACP honored her service, while the AFL-CIO called her a relentless advocate for workers. Susan Rice, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, remembered her as a kind and powerful leader.
Throughout her life, Herman championed diversity in government and encouraged young people to engage in politics. In a commencement speech at Agnes Scott College in 2016, she urged the next generation to continue the fight for civil rights and women’s rights.
Herman’s impact on American labor and civil rights will be remembered by many, as her work continues to inspire future leaders.