Mobile, Ala. — Alexis Herman, who made history as the first Black leader of the U.S. Department of Labor, has died at the age of 77. Nominated by former President Bill Clinton, Herman served as secretary from 1997 to 2001, leaving behind a legacy marked by her dedication to social justice, civil rights, and workforce empowerment.
Clinton expressed his condolences, stating, “Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Alexis Herman, our friend of nearly fifty years.” He conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to her family and the countless individuals who admired her contributions.
Current Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer lauded Herman as a “trailblazer,” highlighting her lifelong commitment to improving the lives of working families. Her impact on labor rights and workforce policies resonated deeply within the country, particularly among those who faced the greatest challenges.
Born in Mobile in 1947, Herman’s early life was shaped by the Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation in the South. Reflecting on her upbringing, she described the civil rights struggle as an integral part of her life experiences. After graduating from Xavier University of Louisiana, a historically Black institution, she began her career advocating for desegregation in local schools.
In 1977, Herman was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to lead the Women’s Bureau of the Department of Labor, a role that set the stage for her lifelong advocacy for women’s rights in the workplace. Herman once explained the bureau’s mission by emphasizing the importance of helping women seek jobs and understand their rights in the face of discrimination.
Her political journey took her to the 1988 presidential campaign of Jesse Jackson, and in 1992, she made history again by becoming the first Black woman to serve as the Democratic National Committee’s CEO. Herman’s vision extended beyond her professional obligations, as she sought to empower underrepresented voices and inspire future generations.
Herman received overwhelming bipartisan support during her confirmation hearing as secretary of labor. She passionately advocated for dignified job opportunities and a rising standard of living for working families. “I want workers to get and keep good jobs,” she asserted, emphasizing the importance of security throughout their lives.
Following the announcement of her passing, numerous civil rights organizations and political figures praised her remarkable contributions. The NAACP reflected on her legacy, stating that her service would continue to inspire future leaders. The AFL-CIO noted her relentless advocacy for workers and the positive changes she championed throughout her career.
Politician Susan Rice remembered Herman as a beloved friend and a remarkable leader, saying, “She was a powerful yet graceful leader, a visionary, a sister to sisters, and one of the kindest people I’ve known.” Herman’s influence was not limited to her roles; she actively encouraged youth to engage in politics and advocate for their rights.
Even in her later years, Herman remained committed to civil rights, equality, and justice. During a commencement address at Agnes Scott College in 2016, she challenged students to continue the fight for rights that she had championed in her lifetime, saying, “But now it’s your turn.”
Herman’s passing marks the loss of a pioneering leader whose impact on labor rights, civil rights, and women’s advancement will resonate for years to come, serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the power of advocacy.