By Zenitha Prince
AFRO Contributing Editor
Pioneering civil servant and advocate Alexis Herman, who served as the 23rd and first African American Secretary of Labor, died April 25. She was 77.
Herman achieved the historical first when then-President Bill Clinton nominated her for the Cabinet position at the beginning of his second term in the White House.
“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,” Clinton said in a statement.
During Clinton’s transition, Herman served as deputy director of the agency and later, as the White House’s public liaison director before she joined his second cabinet in 1997.
“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,” Clinton continued, later adding, “In every effort, she lifted people with her unfailing optimism and energy. We’ll miss her very much.”
The Congressional Black Caucus praised Herman for her advocacy and accomplishments in addressing issues such as minimum wages, child labor standards, youth unemployment and equal opportunity.
“Her integrity, leadership, and commitment to public service has left a lasting impact on all those who had the privilege of working with her and millions of Americans who were the direct beneficiaries of her work. During her many years of public service, Herman worked to transform the American workplace, ensuring robust enforcement of equal employment opportunities, and improving employment opportunities for Black laborers and women,” the CBC said in a statement. “Her legacy will continue to inspire us, and her contributions to our nation will not be forgotten. ”
Many others across the business, political and nonprofit spheres also praised Herman for her strategic mind, leadership, dedication and impact.
In addition to serving in the administrations of Presidents Carter and Clinton, Herman played pivotal roles in the Democratic National Committee, including as a senior advisor and chief of staff, and helped bolster the campaigns of candidates such as Jesse Jackson and John Kerry, who both ran for president.
“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,” said DNC Chair Ken Martin in a statement. He concluded, “Our Party and our country are stronger because of Alexis Herman.”
In the private sector, Herman spurred diversity and otherwise influenced corporate policy as director on the board of companies like Toyota and Coca Cola. She also held membership and leadership roles in and helped boost the growth of advocacy groups such as the National Urban League and the National Council of Negro Women, where she worked alongside her mentor Dorothy Height.
“She devoted decades of her life to the empowerment of Black women nationwide, committing to intergenerational leadership, economic empowerment, and organizational development…. Herman was a pioneer in corporate governance, paving the way for many Black women to serve on corporate boards,” said NCNW President and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley in a statement. She concluded, “We honor her and say well done faithful servant-leader.”
“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,” said NUL President and CEO Marc H. Morial in a statement.
Alexis Margaret Herman was born in Mobile, Ala., on July 16, 1947, to politician Alex Herman and schoolteacher Gloria Caponis. She went to high school in Mobile and later earned a bachelor’s degree at Xavier University in New Orleans in 1969.
Growing up in the segregated South, Herman was exposed to injustice and inequality, but was also exposed to the activism needed to address these ills early on. Her father sued the Democratic party to let Blacks vote and later became the first African-American wardsman in Alabama.
Herman, herself, was also actively involved in the civil rights’, women’s and labor rights movements of the 1960s and ‘70s. After college, she was actively involved in efforts to desegregate high schools in Mobile, to advance equal opportunities for women in the workforce and develop employment training opportunities for young people.
Rep. Shomari Figures, who represents Alabama’s 2nd congressional district – which includes Mobile – on Capitol Hill, said he counted Herman as a mentor and called her a “true hometown hero.”
”Along the way, she never forgot where she came from, and always reached back to help. 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,” the Democrat wrote on the social media platform X.
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.”
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