Alexis Herman, the first Black secretary of labor in U.S. history, dies at age 77

Civil rights groups, labor organizations and politicians praised Alexis Herman as a "trailblazer" who fought for the rights of women, Black people and American workers over the course of decades.

Apr 27, 2025 - 01:17
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Alexis Herman, the first Black secretary of labor in U.S. history, dies at age 77
Alexis Herman was tapped by former President Bill Clinton to serve as secretary of labor. Upon her confirmation in 1997, she became the first Black secretary of labor in American history. She is shown here in Las Vegas in 2010.

Civil rights groups, labor organizations and politicians praised Alexis Herman as a "trailblazer" who fought for the rights of women, Black people and American workers over the course of decades.

(Image credit: Ethan Miller)