The Velvet Hammer: Alexis Herman’s Enduring Power, Purpose, and Poise

Alexis Herman (1946–2025), the first Black woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor, leaves behind a towering legacy of service, strategy, and unshakable grace. Appointed by President Bill Clinton and confirmed amid resistance, Herman broke barriers with the support of her Delta Sigma Theta sisters, who filled the Senate gallery in red and white. Known as the “velvet hammer,” she proved her strength during the historic 1997 UPS-Teamsters strike, mediating a resolution that preserved the nation's commerce. Herman embodied both elegance and endurance—a true daughter of Dorothy Height’s legacy. She was more than a public servant; she was glue in a fragmented world, mentoring countless young leaders and ensuring that Black women were seen, heard, and empowered. Her legacy lives on—in policy, in people, and in purpose.