Alexis Herman
Alexis Herman | |
---|---|
Director of the Office of Public Liaison | |
In office January 20, 1993 – February 7, 1997 | |
President | Bill Clinton |
Preceded by | Cecile B. Kremer |
Succeeded by | Maria Echaveste |
8th Director of the Women's Bureau | |
In office April 4, 1977 – January 20, 1981 | |
President | Jimmy Carter |
Preceded by | Carmen R. Maymi |
Succeeded by | Lenora C. Alexander |
Personal details | |
Born | Alexis Margaret Herman July 16, 1947 Mobile, Alabama, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse |
Charles Franklin
(m. 2000; died 2014) |
Education | Edgewood College Spring Hill College (transferred) Xavier University of Louisiana (AB) |
Alexis Margaret Herman (born July 16, 1947) formerly served as the 23rd
Herman grew up in Mobile, Alabama. After college, she worked to improve employment opportunities for black laborers and women. She then joined the administration of Jimmy Carter, working as director of the Labor Department's Women's Bureau. She became active in the Democratic party, working in the campaigns of Jesse Jackson and then serving as chief of staff for the Democratic National Committee under Ronald H. Brown. She joined the cabinet of President Bill Clinton in 1997.
Following the defeat of Al Gore in the 2000 presidential election, Herman remained active in Democratic politics, in addition to her participation in the private sector, serving on the boards of corporations such as Coca-Cola and Toyota.
Early life and education
Herman was born on July 16, 1947, in Mobile, Alabama, the daughter of politician Alex Herman and schoolteacher Gloria Caponis,[1] and raised in a Catholic household.[2] Her father became Alabama's first black ward leader.[3] She later recounted how members of the white supremacist group, the Ku Klux Klan, assaulted her father when she was five years old.[4][5] When Herman was growing up in Mobile, schools remained racially segregated.[2] Her parents opted to send Alexis to parochial school, in part because the teachers included white nuns and priests, and thus would expose her to greater diversity.[2]
Herman attended the Heart of Mary High School. As a sophomore, she was suspended for questioning the diocese's exclusion of black students from religious pageants in which white students participated. Following a week of objection from the parents of Herman's fellow black classmates, she was re-admitted.[3]
After graduating from high school, Herman attended Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin, and Spring Hill College in Mobile.[6][7] She transferred to Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, where she became an active member of the Gamma Alpha Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority[8] and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1969.[9]
Career
After college, Herman returned to Mobile to help
Later, working at New York based consulting firm RTP, Herman led programs designed to provide apprenticeships for women in nontraditional jobs. At RTP, she met Ray Marshall. After Jimmy Carter won the Presidency in 1977, he and his incoming Labor Secretary Marshall asked Herman to be director of the Labor Department's Women's Bureau.[3] At age 29, she was the youngest person to hold the position,[11][12] which required her to work towards improving business opportunities for women.[13] She worked to encourage corporations to hire more minority women, with companies like Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, and General Motors making increased diversity a priority in their hiring process.[14][15]
In 1981, at the end of the Carter administration, Herman left her job in the Labor Department and founded the consulting firm, A.M. Herman & Associates.[3] Herman and the firm worked with corporations on a variety of marketing and management issues, including how to develop training programs, marketing strategies, and organizational strategies.[3][16][17] She managed the convention team for Jesse Jackson in his 1984 and 1988 bids for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.[3] Her role working for Jackson's campaign led Herman to serve as chief of staff to Democratic National Committee Chairman Ronald H. Brown, and later as vice chair of the 1992 Democratic National Convention.[18][3]
Director of the Office of Public Liaison
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/President_Bill_Clinton_walks_and_talks_with_Director_of_the_Office_of_Public_Liaison%2C_Alexis_Herman.jpg/220px-President_Bill_Clinton_walks_and_talks_with_Director_of_the_Office_of_Public_Liaison%2C_Alexis_Herman.jpg)
After Bill Clinton's victory in the
Secretary of Labor
In 1996, President Clinton announced his intention to nominate Herman as
As Secretary of Labor, Herman oversaw the Department of Labor, which at the time employed 17,000 people and operated on a $39 billion annual budget.[28] The Department of Labor is tasked with enforcing a variety of workplace laws and regulations, including safety issues and anti-discrimination.[29] During Herman's tenure, American unemployment was at its lowest level in decades.[29]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Aherman1.jpg/170px-Aherman1.jpg)
She earned praise from her peers for her handling of the
As secretary, Herman supported the 1996 and 1997 raises to the minimum wage, increasing it by $0.90 to $5.15 per hour by September 1997.[30][31] Herman argued the wage hike increased the buying power of workers.[31] She later opposed a 1999 Republican supported plan to raise the minimum wage over three years, instead supporting a two-year time-table for an increase.[32] Herman also opposed the legislation as it included tax cuts without offsets.[33][32]
Among Herman's responsibilities as secretary was the enforcement of child labor laws.[29] During her tenure, the Department of Labor fined toy store chain Toys "R" Us $200,000 for violating laws restricting the type of work that may be done, and the number of hours that may be worked by underage employees.[34] It found more than 300 teenage employees were working more and later hours than permitted, and Toys "R" Us agreed to stop the practices.[34]
Herman supported the United States' participation in the International Labor Organization's Child Labor Convention, a treaty designed to protect children under 18 years old from slavery, trafficking, bondage, and other abuses.[35] She also defended the United States' support of a provision to allow for voluntary military service of those under 18 years old, a practice allowed in the United States, Great Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands.[36] Opponents, including other nations, trade unions, and Amnesty International urged tougher provisions; however, Herman contended the focus of the treaty should be on forced labor, not voluntary military service.[37]
Herman was active in
Post-government
Herman served as co-chair of Democratic presidential nominee
From 2001 to 2006, Herman was chairwoman of The Coca-Cola Company's Human Resources Task Force. The following year, Coca-Cola made her a director. Herman served on Toyota's Diversity Advisory Board.[12] In 2006, the company appointed her to head a special task force to ensure the company's compliance with anti-discrimination standards following the resignation of Toyota North America's CEO, after being named the defendant in a sexual harassment lawsuit.[50] Herman served on the boards of other major companies, including Cummins, MGM Resorts International, Entergy, Sodexo, and is the chairman and CEO of New Ventures, Inc.[51]
In 2010, Herman was appointed to the board of the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, a charitable organization founded by Bill Clinton and George W. Bush to aid Haiti following a magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake in January of that year.[52] Herman has also been involved with civic groups including the National Urban League and the National Epilepsy Foundation.[53] She has been awarded more than 20 honorary doctorate degrees from academic institutions.[54]
Personal life
Herman was Queen of Carnival for the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association in 1974.[55][56][57] Her father had served as King of Carnival in his youth.[56]
Herman married physician Charles Franklin Jr. in February 2000 at the Washington National Cathedral.[58] Franklin had three children from previous marriages. He died in 2014 following an extended illness.[59]
See also
- List of African-American firsts
- List of African-American United States Cabinet members
- List of female United States Cabinet members
References
- ^ Simmonds, Yussuf (May 29, 2008). "Alexis M. Herman - Los Angeles Sentinel". Los Angeles Sentinel. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
- ^ a b c d Wines, Michael (May 12, 1997). "Alexis Herman: Friends Helped Labor Nominee Move Up, Then Almost Brought Her Down". partners.nytimes.com. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Smothers, Ronald (December 21, 1996). "Alexis Herman: Social-Worker Roots and Political Experience". partners.nytimes.com. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
- ^ "Cabinet Secretary Alexis Herman". NPR.org. March 15, 2007. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
- ^ "Alexis Herman recalls her father's beating by the KKK". USA Today. September 21, 2017. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
- ^ Henry, Diana (Fall 2016). "Edgewood College Magazine". issuu. p. 7. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
- ISBN 9781578593804.
- ^ "Notable Deltas". Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Archived from the original on January 20, 2010. Retrieved December 12, 2007.
- ^ "Hall of Secretaries: Alexis M. Herman". United States Department of Labor. December 9, 2015. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
- ^ ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ "Women in Government: A Slim Past, But a Strong Future". Ebony: 89–92, 96–98. August 1977.
- ^ a b "Workplace Diversity, Inclusion & Recognition". Toyota USA. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
- ^ ISSN 0882-7729. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
- ^ "Cabinet Secretary Alexis Herman". NPR.org. March 15, 2007. Retrieved January 28, 2017.
- ISBN 9781440837852.
- ISBN 9780810391772.
- ISBN 9781440837852.
- ^ a b c d Merida, Kevin; Swoboda, Frank (December 21, 1996). "Washingtonpost.com: After Pitched Battle, Herman Wins Out". www.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ "Clinton Presidential Transition, Dec 7 1992 | Video | C-SPAN.org". C-SPAN.org. December 7, 1992. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
- ^ a b c d Merida, Kevin (August 20, 1997). "Washingtonpost.com: For Alexis Herman, a Proving Ground". www.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
- ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
- ^ Doring, Mike (March 19, 1997). "Labor Nominee Breezes Through Hearing". tribunedigital-chicagotribune. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
- ^ "Secretary Labor Confirmation Hearing, Mar 18 1997". C-SPAN.org. March 18, 1997. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
- ^ Harris, John F.; Swoboda, Frank (May 1, 1997). "Washingtonpost.com: Herman Confirmed for Cabinet After Concession by President". www.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved December 24, 2017.
- ^ a b c "Washingtonpost.com: Politics -- The Administration, Alexis M. Herman". www.washingtonpost.com. 1998. Retrieved 2017-12-24.
- ^ "Alexis M. Herman". clintonwhitehouse4.archives.gov. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ISBN 9781576072141.
- ^ a b c d e Taylor, T. Shawn (January 28, 2001). "Secretary Of Labor". tribunedigital-chicagotribune. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
- ISSN 0040-781X. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
- ^ a b "Minimum wage jumps to $5.15". www.cnn.com. September 1, 1997. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
- ^ ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
- ^ "Senate Passes GOP Wage Hike". cbs.com. November 9, 1999. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
- ^ ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
- ^ "U.S. Signs Child Labor Treaty". CBSNews.com. December 2, 1999. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
- ^ a b c d "Another Cabinet Member Cleared". tribunedigital-chicagotribune. April 8, 2000. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
- ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
- ^ "Clinton Questioned About Herman". tribunedigital-chicagotribune. September 8, 1999. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
- ^ ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
- ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 27, 2017.
- ^ ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
- ^ ABC News (December 3, 2000). "Bush Meets Congressional Leaders". ABC News. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
- ^ Fournier, Ron (October 21, 2004). "Kerry maps postelection plan - The Boston Globe". archive.boston.com. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
- ^ a b Parsons, Christi (May 30, 2008). "Inside a party's family feud". tribunedigital-chicagotribune. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
- ^ Cook, Nancy (May 29, 2008). "Who's Who on the Rules and Bylaws Committee". NPR.org. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
- ^ MyDD: Vote Counting the DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee Archived 2008-06-04 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Crowley, Candy; Hornick, Ed; Mooney, Alexander; Preston, Mark; Rubin, Josh; Schneider, Bill (May 31, 2009). "It's decision day for Democrats". cnn.com. Archived from the original on May 31, 2008. Retrieved June 21, 2018.
- ^ Cottman, Michael (February 3, 2016). "Clinton Gains Support From 170 African American Women Leaders". NBC News. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
- ^ Nagle, Kate (July 25, 2016). "NEW: Raimondo Named One of Six Democratic Convention Co-Chairs". GoLocalProv. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
- ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
- ^ "Alexis Herman Former Secretary of Labor". www.energy.gov. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
- ^ "Clinton Bush Haiti Fund Appoints Board of Directors and CEO". Hope Through Healing Hands. March 10, 2010. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
- ^ Venable, Cecilia Gutierrez (16 September 2013). "Herman, Alexis Margaret (1947-- )". www.blackpast.org. Retrieved January 27, 2018.
- ^ "Diversity Leadership Congress: The Honorable Alexis M. Herman". web.mit.edu. Archived from the original on June 16, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
- ^ "Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association". www.mamga.com. Archived from the original on February 24, 2012. Retrieved January 21, 2017.
- ^ a b Hoffman, Roy (February 19, 2012). "MAMGA queen 1940 looks back at age 90 on the elegance and festivity of first black Mardi Gras". AL.com. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
- ^ Hoffman, Roy (January 19, 2010). "JaMarcus Russell to be crowned King Elexis I by Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association". AL.com. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
- ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
- ^ "Charles L. Franklin Jr.'s Obituary on The Washington Post". legacy.com. June 6, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2017.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- U.S. Department of Labor Biography
- Private Attorney Chosen To Investigate Alexis Herman, CNN, AllPolitics, May 26, 1998
- Clinton questioned in Alexis Herman investigation, CNN, September 8, 1999
- Congressional Record—Senate S3409, April 22, 1997
- Jonathan Karl on the possible 'sleeper case' in the election dispute, CNN, December 3, 2000
- Appearances on C-SPAN