President Joe Biden is set to sign a proclamation establishing a national monument in honor of Frances Perkins, who served as Labor Secretary during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency. This event is scheduled to take place at the Labor Department in Washington, D.C., where it will celebrate Perkins’ significant contributions to American labor policies.
Frances Perkins holds the distinction of being the first woman appointed to a presidential Cabinet. She played a pivotal role in shaping the New Deal, which aimed to provide relief during the Great Depression. Her efforts helped set the foundation for essential programs like Social Security and key labor laws that safeguard workers’ rights today.
In a statement, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland praised Perkins for her commitment to improving working conditions, emphasizing how she accepted her Cabinet position only after securing a promise from Roosevelt to support her initiatives. Perkins’ legacy continues to inspire those who pursue justice and fairness in the workplace.
The new monument will be located on the Perkins family homestead in Newcastle, Maine, where she was laid to rest in 1965. The National Park Service will oversee the site, ensuring that her legacy is remembered and honored.
At the signing ceremony, Biden will be accompanied by Haaland, acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, and other members of his Cabinet, along with leaders in labor and women’s rights advocacy. This proclamation comes as Biden approaches the final weeks of his presidency, highlighting his intent to reinforce his legacy as a supporter of women’s and labor rights.
In addition to the monument for Perkins, Haaland has revealed plans to designate five new national historic landmarks that celebrate women’s history across the nation, reflecting the ongoing commitment to recognizing the pivotal roles women have played in shaping American society.
