Latest news with #AlexisHerman
Washington Post
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Remembering Alexis Herman, the first Black US Secretary of Labor
WASHINGTON — Labor leaders, politicians and civil rights activists are mourning the death of Alexis Herman, the first Black U.S. Secretary of Labor and a fierce advocate for workplace equality. She died on Friday at the age of 77. Herman broke many barriers in her prolific career, and the outpouring of praise since her death suggests how she empowered others to do the same.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alexis Herman, first Black Labor Secretary, dies at 77
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. Herman began her public service career in the administration of the late President Jimmy Carter. She was the youngest director of the women's bureau in the history of the Labor Department. The late political figure also held several roles within the Democratic National Committee (DNC) including the title of chief of staff. She worked to boost the presidential campaigns of Jesse Jackson and John Kerry with her knowledge of the political landscape helping to 'modernize' the party, according to DNC Chair Ken Martin. '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,' Martin said in a statement on her passing. Herman, a native of Mobile, Ala., followed in the footsteps of her father, a lawmaker who helped integrate the state's Democratic Party according to the Alabama Media Group. Her growth in the political realm was spurred by life lessons instilled by him. 'Along the way, she never forgot where she came from, and always reached back to help,' Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) wrote on the social media platform X. '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,' 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.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Alexis Herman, first Black Labor Secretary, dies at 77
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. Herman began her public service career in the administration of the late President Jimmy Carter. She was the youngest director of the women's bureau in the history of the Labor Department. The late political figure also held several roles within the Democratic National Committee (DNC) including the title of chief of staff. She worked to boost the presidential campaigns of Jesse Jackson and John Kerry with her knowledge of the political landscape helping to 'modernize' the party, according to DNC Chair Ken Martin. '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,' Martin said in a statement on her passing. Herman, a native of Mobile, Ala., followed in the footsteps of her father, a lawmaker who helped integrate the state's Democratic Party according to the Alabama Media Group. Her growth in the political realm was spurred by life lessons instilled by him. 'Along the way, she never forgot where she came from, and always reached back to help,' Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) wrote on the social media platform X. '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,' 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.'
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy expands facility
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy has been helping those without access to health insurance in Mobile and surrounding areas for 27 years. Former U.S. Labor Secretary Alexis Herman, a Mobile, Alabama native, dies at 77 On Friday afternoon, they held an open house to celebrate the expansion of their facility. People like Lydia Ruffin utilize Ozanam Pharmacy all the time. 'I never expected to be in this position,' Ruffin said. She is one out of many Americans who don't have proper health insurance, so getting the proper medication and treatment she needs has always been a challenge. It's a challenge for so many. 'Some people have to choose between, can I pay my rent, or can I buy food or can I get the medications I need?' Mobile Archbishop Thomas Rodi said. 'Ozanam Pharmacy makes it possible for people to get the medications, the prescriptions that they need for their lives.' 'The patients we provide services to are all uninsured,' Ozanam Pharmacy Executive Director Shearie Archer said. Ruffin called Ozanam lifesaving. 'Just one of my medications would be almost $900 a month,' she explained. Friday afternoon, the pharmacy showcased their expansion and upgrades including expanding to 4,600 square feet, a new room to provide food, offices and mental health resources. Archer said their pharmacy buys generic medication and relies on help from clinics and pharmaceutical companies to operate, but looming tariffs could present challenges. 'You know, most medications aren't made in the United States,' she explained. 'That will affect the cost of our medication. Yes, it will.' Ruffin said Ozanam's Pharmacy is people focused. Abused dog tied to pole rescued in Escambia County 'It's a blessing to be a part of it, and the people who work here are just beyond words,' she explained. 'They preserve the dignity of the individual.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former U.S. Labor Secretary Alexis Herman, a Mobile, Alabama native, dies at 77
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Mobile native and former United States Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman has died. She was 77. Alabama Forestry Commission warns of fungal disease infecting pine trees Herman was the first African American to serve as the U.S. Labor Secretary. She served in the role from 1997-2001 under the Clinton administration. Herman also served under the Clinton administration as an assistant to the president and the director of the Office of Public Liaison. 'Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Alexis Herman, our friend of nearly fifty years,' former President Bill Clinton said. 'Alexis was gifted in so many ways….' 'Throughout her career, Alexis worked to empower women and strengthen families in her roles at Coca-Cola, Toyota, the Urban League, and the National Council of Negro Women where she worked alongside her mentor Dorothy Height,' Clinton said in a statement. '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. Passport Fair coming to Mobile (one day only) In 1977, President Jimmy Carter appointed Herman director of the Women's Bureau. She was 29 when she accepted the position, making her the youngest person ever to serve in it. As director of that bureau until 1981, Herman was credited with urging Delta Airlines and Coca-Cola to hire more women in their corporate offices. After leaving office in 2001, she worked as an executive with Coca-Cola and Toyota, while also being active with advocacy organizations such as the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and the National Urban League. 'When I decided to join President Obama's campaign, I called Alexis Herman, because she had worked on several presidential campaigns,' Rep. Shomari Figures (AL-District 2) said. 'When seeking out opportunities in the White House, I called Alexis Herman, because she had worked in the White House multiple times. And when considering a run for Congress, I again called Alexis Herman. Not because I had known her my entire life but because she could advise on levels that few people could. 'She was a fighter for civil rights and women's rights, a giant in DC political circles, especially amongst Black women, and an all-around dynamic woman,' Figures said. Alabama's first dog dies; Gov. Kay Ivey reflects on her 'great friend' 'Born and raised in Mobile, she came of age with a generation of Black people who all went on to break through color barriers and become the 'firsts' of many things throughout their careers.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
