Alexis Herman, First Black U.S. Labor Secretary, Dies at 76

Alexis Herman, a pioneering force in American politics and the first African American to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor, died Thursday at the age of 76, prompting tributes from across the political spectrum.

Former President Bill Clinton, who appointed Herman to lead the Labor Department in 1997, praised her legacy of service.

“Alexis Herman was a skillful and creative administrator who worked to empower women and strengthen families,” Clinton said in a statement posted on social media. “In every effort, she lifted people with her unfailing optimism and energy. We’ll miss her very much.”

Representative Bobby Scott of Virginia also honored Herman’s memory, describing her as a “trailblazer” whose dedication transformed the American workplace.

“From her early days working to desegregate schools in Mobile, Alabama, to her leadership in the Carter and Clinton administrations, Alexis dedicated her life to expanding opportunities for all Americans—especially women, minorities, and working families,” Scott said.

Herman’s career spanned decades of public service and advocacy. Born July 16, 1947, in Mobile, Alabama, she was deeply influenced by her father, a civil rights activist, and her mother, an educator. Her early exposure to the fight for voting rights and racial equality shaped a lifelong commitment to social justice.

After graduating from Xavier University of Louisiana with a degree in sociology, Herman launched her career in community development, creating employment and training programs for disadvantaged youth in Mississippi.

Her advocacy for marginalized workers, particularly African Americans seeking opportunities in industries like shipbuilding, laid the groundwork for her future leadership roles.

Herman’s entry into national politics began during Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign. In 1977, at just 29 years old, she was appointed director of the Women’s Bureau at the Department of Labor—the youngest person ever to lead the agency.

She used the position to press corporations like Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola to diversify their workforces.

In the 1980s, Herman founded A.M. Herman and Associates, a consulting firm focused on diversity and minority hiring practices. Her growing influence in Democratic politics led her to key roles, including CEO of the 1992 Democratic National Convention and later as director of the White House Office of Public Liaison under President Clinton.

Her historic appointment as Secretary of Labor came in 1997. During her tenure, she brokered a settlement to end the 1997 UPS workers’ strike, secured passage of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to modernize job training programs, and led initiatives to combat child labor and expand youth employment opportunities in underserved communities.

Herman also championed international labor rights and played an active role in welfare reform efforts during the late 1990s. Her leadership extended beyond politics—she later served on the boards of the National Urban League, the National Epilepsy Foundation, and the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

She held advisory roles with major corporations such as Coca-Cola and Toyota, focusing on human resources and diversity initiatives.

Her work earned numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Black Enterprise’s Women of Power in 2010.

The NAACP paid tribute to Herman on Thursday, calling her a “pioneering leader” whose “legacy of service and trailblazing leadership will continue to inspire generations.”

Throughout her life, Alexis Herman remained a fierce advocate for equality, workplace justice, and opportunity for all. Her impact, forged through decades of unwavering service, leaves a lasting mark on American history.