Alexis Herman, first Black Labor Secretary, dies at 77

Former Labor Secretary Alexis Herman died on Friday at the age of 77.

Herman made history as the first Black person to hold the role after former President Bill Clinton nominated her to the post at the start of his second term in office.

“Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Alexis Herman, our friend of nearly fifty years. Alexis was gifted in so many ways. She was a skillful and creative administrator who, at 29, became the youngest person to direct the women’s bureau at the Department of Labor under President Carter,” the Clintons wrote in a statement on her passing.

“She would go on to serve in my transition as deputy director, in the White House as public liaison director, and in the Cabinet as the first African American Secretary of Labor,” they added.

Many other leaders shared similar sentiments, touting Herman’s leadership skills and her impact on the lives of others. 

“As a leader in business, government, and her community, she was a trailblazer who dedicated her life to strengthening America’s workforce and creating better lives for hardworking families,” the current Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said in a Friday statement.

“All of us at the Department of Labor are grateful to Herman for her service and leadership, and we extend our sympathy to her family and many friends,” she continued.

Prior to being confirmed to lead the Labor Department, Herman worked in the Clinton administration as the public liaison. She was sworn in as labor secretary in 1997.

Herman began her public service career in the administration of the late President Jimmy Carter. She was the youngest director of the women's bureau in the history of the Labor Department.

The late political figure also held several roles within the Democratic National Committee (DNC) including the title of chief of staff.

She worked to boost the presidential campaigns of Jesse Jackson and John Kerry with her knowledge of the political landscape helping to “modernize” the party, according to DNC Chair Ken Martin.

“Throughout her extraordinary career, she paved the way for generations to follow. Her work lifted families after Hurricane Katrina and the Haiti earthquake, strengthened presidential campaigns, and most importantly, always centered working-class people,” Martin said in a statement on her passing.

Herman, a native of Mobile, Ala., followed in the footsteps of her father, a lawmaker who helped integrate the state’s Democratic Party according to the Alabama Media Group. 

Her growth in the political realm was spurred by life lessons instilled by him.

”Along the way, she never forgot where she came from, and always reached back to help,” Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) wrote on the social media platform X. 

“Whether it was raising money to save historical Black private schools in Mobile, or supporting local charitable initiatives. But perhaps her greatest contribution was helping advance career opportunities for young people. Countless people from Mobile to DC can attribute their career success in whole or in part to Alexis Herman,” he continued.

“I am proud to have known her, and blessed to have had her life and career to serve as inspiration for my own. Thank you, Ms. Herman, and job well done.”