• Alexis Herman, the first Black U.S. Secretary of Labor, died at 77.
• She served from 1997 to 2001 and was a key figure in labor politics.
• Former President Bill Clinton nominated her and praised her leadership skills.
• Herman was notable for her work on civil rights and women’s workforce issues.
• Her legacy is celebrated across civil rights and labor communities.

Former Labor Secretary Alexis Herman passed away on Friday at the age of 77, making history as the first Black person to hold this pivotal role in U.S. politics. Nominated by former President Bill Clinton, she served from 1997 to 2001, after a distinguished career in social work, civil rights, and Democratic politics. Clinton expressed sorrow over her passing, stating that “Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Alexis Herman, our friend of nearly fifty years,” highlighting her impact within the labor community and beyond, according to The Hill and NPR.

Herman's journey began in Mobile, Alabama, where she overcame the challenges of segregation. She was appointed to lead the Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor at just 29 years old by then-President Jimmy Carter. Her legacy includes significant contributions to civil rights, as she advocated for women's workforce rights and desegregation efforts. “The struggle for civil rights was a daily part of our lives,” Herman stated during her career, reflecting the formative experiences that shaped her commitment to social justice, according to New York Times and NPR.

During her tenure, she played a vital role in settling a major strike by 185,000 United Parcel Service (UPS) workers in 1997, demonstrating her leadership amidst substantial labor unrest. Herman's efforts to mediate discussions between UPS leaders and union representatives were pivotal in restoring service and maintaining labor peace, an accomplishment noted during her confirmation and throughout her career, according to New York Times and The Hill.

Many leaders in government, civil rights, and labor have expressed their condolences and celebrated Herman’s legacy. Current Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer referred to her as a “trailblazer who dedicated her life to strengthening America’s workforce,” while various civil rights organizations praised her for opening doors for future generations. The NAACP stated, “Her legacy of service and trailblazing leadership will continue to inspire generations,” ensuring that her contributions to labor and civil rights will be remembered, according to New York Times, The Hill, and NPR.