Alexis Herman, first Black Labor Secretary, dies at 77

Source: The Hill

04/26/25 10:40 AM ET


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.

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5269247-alexis-herman-first-black-labor-secretary-dies-at-77/