FORMER LABOR SECRETARY Alexis Herman
Leaders from across America are remembering Alexis Herman, who rose from being a social worker for a Catholic organization to become the first Black U.S. Secretary of Labor. Herman died April 25 after a brief illness. She was 77.
Former President Bill Clinton, who appointed Herman to the position in 1997 released a statement with his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
“Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Alexis Herman, our friend of nearly 50 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. 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.
“She was a very valuable Cabinet member and a good friend, especially after the devastating loss of our mutual friend, Commerce Secretary Ron Brown, and his delegation in Croatia in 1996.
“She also lent her considerable political skills to our presidential campaigns, and those of Jesse Jackson and John Kerry. In every effort, she lifted people with her unfailing optimism and energy. We’ll miss her very much. Our hearts and prayers are with her family and all who loved and admired her.”
National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial praised Herman’s contributions as senior vice chair of the National Urban League’s Board of Trustees.
“We are devastated by the loss of an irreplaceable champion, stalwart leader, and compassionate friend. Our heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and all those who have been touched by her kindness.
“Her expertise and leadership have been invaluable in steering the National Urban League toward record growth, professionalism, and impact. She was instrumental in driving the development of the National Urban League Empowerment Center, our soon-to-be new headquarters and the most significant economic development project in recent Harlem history.
“Her commitment to empowering underserved individuals and marginalized communities was fierce, genuine, and unwavering. From a young age, she challenged the injustices of racial segregation and never strayed from her deeply-held principles and high standards of integrity.”
In a statement, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation said Herman was a “trailblazer, mentor, and lifelong champion for civil rights, labor rights, and the advancement of women. Secretary Herman dedicated her life to service, equity, and justice for all. Her leadership paved the way for generations of Black women in public service and civic engagement.”
Herman was born in Mobile, Alabama, on July 16, 1947. Her mother was a teacher, and her father was the first Black politician elected in the South since Reconstruction, according to HistoryMakers. After graduating from a Catholic high school, Herman attended Xavier University in New Orleans, graduating in 1969.
In a statement, Xavier University President Reynold Verret said, “Secretary Herman, a principled public servant and dedicated business leader, exemplified a life of compassion, service, commitment, and integrity.
“A faithful friend, beloved family member, and unwavering Xavierite, her life and labor illustrated Xavier’s mission. She paved the way for a more just and humane society, setting a phenomenal example for the university community. We are truly grateful for her time among us. She touched many and will be missed much.”
Herman began her career in 1969 as a social worker for Catholic Charities, developing employment training opportunities for unemployed youth. From there, she was hired by the Department of Labor. At 29 years old, Herman became the youngest person to hold the position of director of the Women’s Bureau. While there, Herman pressured Delta Airlines and Coca-Cola to hire female professionals. It was also during this time that she met future President Clinton, according to HistoryMakers.
She formed a consulting firm, A.M. Herman & Associates in 1981, advising state and local governments on labor markets until 1989. She also later became the National Director of the Minority Women Employment Program of R-T-P, Inc., where she established programs to place minority women in white-collar and nontraditional jobs.
Returning to government service in 1989, Herman joined the Democratic National Committee as chief of staff after being encouraged by longtime friend Ron Brown. By 1992, Herman was the CEO of the Democratic National Convention.
After Clinton’s election in 1992, Herman was appointed assistant to the president and director of the White House Public Liaison Office in 1993. When Clinton was reelected, he appointed her the twenty-third U.S. Secretary of Labor.
However, many labor leaders did not support her. Later, Herman would be implicated in one of the improper fundraisers held at the White House. She weathered the storms unscathed, continuing to fight for minority and women’s rights in the workplace.
Herman chaired the Coca-Cola Company Task Force and the Toyota Advisory Board on Diversity. She sat on the board of MGM/Mirage, Inc. and was involved in the National Urban League and the Ron Brown Foundation. Herman and her husband, Dr. Charles Franklin, lived in Virginia.
In 2006, after Hurricane Katrina, Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton asked her to co-chair the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. And in 2010, following the earthquake in Haiti, Presidents Clinton and sitting President George W. Bush asked her to join the board of the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund. She was instrumental in both efforts, which raised and disbursed millions of dollars and provided much-needed relief.