Karina Jean-Pierre Becomes First Black Woman To Hold A White House Press Briefing on 30 Years

Karine Jean-Pierre made history on Wednesday as she took to the podium to lead a White House press briefing. 

That singular act on the James S. Brady podium is one for the history book as she has become the first Black woman in 30 years to lead a White House press briefing since Judy Smith did so under the administration of George H.W. Bush in 1991.

Karine Jean-Pierre, who also is a former professor at Columbia University, joined Biden's campaign team in May 2020. Before then, she worked as the Southeast regional political director for Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, where she engaged residents in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, and North Carolina.

On how she felt about being the first Black woman to hold a White House press briefing by reporters, Karine answered, “It’s a real honor to be standing here today. I appreciate the historic nature, I do. But I believe that being behind this podium, being in this room, being in this building, is not about one person. It’s about what we do on behalf of the American people. The president believes that representation matters, and I appreciate him giving me this opportunity, and it’s another reason why I think we’re all so proud that this is the most diverse administration in history.”

Jean-Pierre began the briefing acknowledging the Senate confirmations of Kristen Clarke, the first Black woman to lead the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, who was also confirmed as the first Black woman to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

President Joe Biden and his team have established themselves as the most diverse cabinet in the U.S. presidential history with people from diverse races and ethnicities - Black, Hispanic, Indian, and Native Americans. 

Karine Jean-Pierre is the first openly gay woman in her role, adding to the numerous members of Biden's administration who are part of the LGBTQ community.