Alexis M. Herman, the first African American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor, passed away today, April 25. She was 77-years-old.
An exceptional leader and brilliant strategist, Herman’s legacy was noted by several leaders and organizations. Former President Bill Clinton, who appointed Herman to labor secretary, described her as “a skillful and creative administrator who worked to empower women and strengthen families. In every effort, she lifted people with her unfailing optimism and energy. Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the loss.”
Declaring Herman as “a pioneering leader,” the NAACP wrote on Instagram, “her legacy of service and trailblazing leadership will continue to inspire generations.”
A native of Mobile, Alabama, Herman was born on July 16, 1947, to Alex Herman, the first Black ward leader in the state, and Gloria Caponis, a local schoolteacher. She graduated in 1969 from Xavier University with a B.A. in Sociology.
She made significant achievements throughout her career including helping to desegregate parochial schools in Mobile, managing the Southern Regional Council’s Black Women’s Employment Program, and appointed at age 29 as the youngest director of the Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau during the Carter Administration.
As the founder of the consulting firm, A.M. Herman & Associates, she worked closely with the Rev. Jesse Jackson and directed the convention teams for his presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988. In addition, she served as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee under the late DNC chairman and later Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown.
From 1997 to 2001, Herman served as Secretary of Labor, overseeing 17,000 people and a $39 million budget. During her tenure she successfully mediated the 1997 UPS workers strike, supported a minimum wage increase to $5.15 per hour, and led her department in fining Toys “R” Us $200,000 for violating child labor laws by assigning teen employees to work more and longer hours.
Herman’s post-government positions included serving as chair of Coca-Cola’s Human Resources Task Force and as member of Toyota’s Diversity Advisory Board. Also, she served on many boards including Cummins, MGM Resorts International, and Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.
Funeral services for Alexis Herman were pending at press time.