Connect with us

Black History

Karine Jean-Pierre Makes History as 1st Black Woman, Openly LGBTQ White House Press Secretary

“Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people,” Biden said in a written statement. “Jill and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration.”

Published

on

Karine Jean-Pierre. 
Karine Jean-Pierre. 

By Brandon Patterson

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre will make history this May 13 when she assumes the role of White House press secretary, becoming the first Black and first openly LGBTQ person to hold the position.

President Biden announced last week that he was appointing Jean-Pierre to the role as current press secretary, Jen Psaki, departs to assume a media role at MSNBC. Jean-Pierre currently serves as principal deputy press secretary.

“Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people,” Biden said in a written statement. “Jill and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration.”

“I am still processing it because, as Jen said…this is a historic moment and it’s not lost on me,” Jean-Pierre said during the White House press conference last week when the announcement was made. “I understand how important it is for so many people out there. So many different communities that I stand on their shoulders.”

She continued: “It is an honor and a privilege to be behind this podium.”

Jean-Pierre was born in Martinique to Haitian parents and migrated to the United States with her family as a child, according to NBC News. She grew up in Queens, New York.

She got her start in politics as an activist, and later as a political commentator for MSNBC. She was chief public affairs officer at MoveOn.org — a website that allows people to circulate petitions for progressive causes online — and worked on the Reproductive Freedom Initiative campaign at the ACLU.

Pierre later served on the presidential campaigns for former President Barack Obama and 2016 Democratic candidate Martin O’Malley. She was also senior adviser for the Biden campaign and chief of staff for Kamala Harris’ 2020 campaign run.

Jean-Pierre made history last summer when she became only the second Black woman to deliver a White House press briefing — and the first in 30 years. Judy Smith, who served as a White House spokesperson for President George H.W. Bush, beginning in 1991, was the first Black woman to deliver a briefing, according to People Magazine. She was also the inspiration for the character Olivia Pope in the TV show “Scandal,” the magazine reports.

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of March 4 – 10, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of March 4 – 10, 2026

Published

on

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Continue Reading

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of February 25 – March 3, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 25 – March 3, 2026

Published

on

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Continue Reading

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of February 18 – 24, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 18 – 24, 2026

Published

on

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to receive news and updates from the Oakland Post

* indicates required

CHECK OUT THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE OAKLAND POST

ADVERTISEMENT

WORK FROM HOME

Home-based business with potential monthly income of $10K+ per month. A proven training system and website provided to maximize business effectiveness. Perfect job to earn side and primary income. Contact Lynne for more details: Lynne4npusa@gmail.com 800-334-0540

Facebook

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

COMMENTARY: Women of Color Shape Our Past and Future

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

Woman’s Search for Family’s Roots Leads to Ancestor John T. Ward – A Successful Entrepreneur and Conductor on the Underground Railroad

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

Advocates Raise Alarm Over ICE Operation, MOU and Detention Risks in Baltimore County

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

Pete Buttigieg to Join Mayor Randall Woodfin for Community Town Hall in Birmingham

#NNPA BlackPress5 days ago

WATCH: Week One – NNPA’s “Leadership Matters” Video Series

Activism1 week ago

Oakland Post: Week of March 4 – 10, 2026

#NNPA BlackPress1 week ago

OP-ED: NNPA Launches 2026 “Leadership Matters” Video Series

#NNPA BlackPress1 week ago

PRESS ROOM: PMG and Cranbrook Horizons-Upward Bound Launch Journey Fellowship Cohort 2

#NNPA BlackPress1 week ago

Los Angeles Summit Brings Together Leaders to Tackle Poverty and Affordability

#NNPA BlackPress1 week ago

Civil Rights TV Launches 24/7 Network Focused on Black History, Education and Equity

#NNPA BlackPress1 week ago

REVIEW: The Ultimate Hot Girl Summer Getaway: Sunseeker Resort Florida

#NNPA BlackPress1 week ago

COMMENTARY: How You Stop a Prescription Medicine is as Important as How You Start 

#NNPA BlackPress2 weeks ago

PRESS ROOM: From Congress to Corporate America: NNPA Spotlights Visionaries in New Video Series

#NNPA BlackPress2 weeks ago

Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

Activism2 weeks ago

Oakland Post: Week of February 25 – March 3, 2026

Trending

Copyright ©2021 Post News Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.