Alexis Herman, First Black Secretary of Labor, Dies at 77
Alexis Herman, the first Black woman to serve as Secretary of Labor in the United States, has passed away at the age of 77. Herman was a trailblazer in her field, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of Black women in government.
Herman was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1947 and grew up in a family that was deeply involved in the civil rights movement. She attended Xavier University of Louisiana, a historically Black university, and went on to work for the Democratic National Committee and the Carter-Mondale presidential campaign.
In 1993, Herman was appointed as the Director of the Women’s Bureau at the Department of Labor, where she focused on issues affecting women in the workforce. In 1997, she made history when she was appointed as Secretary of Labor by President Bill Clinton, becoming the first Black woman to hold the position.
During her time as Secretary of Labor, Herman worked to promote workplace safety, fair wages, and job training programs for underserved communities. She also played a key role in implementing the Family and Medical Leave Act, which guarantees unpaid leave for employees to care for their families.
Herman’s tenure as Secretary of Labor was marked by her commitment to advancing the rights of workers and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She was a strong advocate for women and minority workers, and her leadership helped to shape labor policy in the United States for years to come.
After leaving the Department of Labor, Herman went on to serve on the boards of several corporations and non-profit organizations, continuing her work to promote diversity and equality in the workforce. She was a powerful voice for social justice and a mentor to many young women and people of color entering the field of government and public service.
Alexis Herman’s legacy as the first Black Secretary of Labor will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and activists. Her dedication to advancing the rights of workers and promoting diversity in the workplace will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. Rest in peace, Alexis Herman, and thank you for your tireless advocacy and leadership.