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It’s not straightforward being the primary to carry an necessary function: trailblazers should exemplify excellence and stand as shining examples of their group whereas figuring out all eyes are on them. Some eyes might bear witness in adoration or in ready for a possible slip-up. White Home Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is the primary Black and overtly LGBTQ+ individual to serve in her pivotal function. EBONY celebrates her fortitude and resilience by recognizing her as considered one of our Girls’s Historical past Month Changemakers.
Her ascent to this place follows a wealthy and various profession marked by her dedication to public service and advocacy. Jean-Pierre has frequently damaged obstacles, from her roles as a senior advisor in President Biden’s 2020 marketing campaign to past the realm of politics, the place she has contributed as a political analyst for NBC Information whereas additionally lecturing at Columbia College in worldwide and public affairs.
In an interview with EBONY, Jean-Pierre discusses the complexities of her high-profile function, providing a glimpse into the challenges she navigates with grace and resilience. Her dedication to fostering inclusivity and illustration throughout the White Home administration radiates by her phrases, leaving an indelible impression on the broader panorama of American politics.
EBONY: How does it really feel to be acknowledged as considered one of EBONY’s Girls’s Historical past Month changemakers?
Karine Jean-Pierre: I’m simply thrilled. Being first or main the way in which in one thing that has by no means been carried out earlier than or in ways in which we have by no means led in a selected profession or job will not be straightforward. So being honored by EBONY, by this wonderful group, is an honor. It makes me keep in mind how illustration issues and what which means for folks to see me on the podium doing this job. I’ve been a fan of EBONY since I used to be little itty bitty so that is really, really an honor. I do know my mother might be thrilled—it is going to make her day.
How do you hope your place will encourage future generations, particularly these from underrepresented communities?
One of many issues that I acquired to do on the finish of final yr was get a brand new lectern. We have not had a [new] lectern since 2007. In that briefing room and below my tenure, we have gotten a brand new one. And it’s stunning. When it was carried out, my crew had the chance to call it the Dunnigan Payne Lectern. It’s named after the 2 first Black girls journalists within the White Home Press Corps. That lectern is a beacon of hope. It speaks to democracy and freedom. To have the ability to title it after these two brave, courageous, proficient girls who went by a lot, their tales are fairly unbelievable. Illustration issues. Remembering our historical past issues. Hopefully, younger journalists might be impressed by them. As for me, I do know that I stand on many shoulders to be the place I’m right this moment. It isn’t misplaced on me. It’s necessary and provoking. And I do know what it means. If it means this a lot to me, I do know what it is going to imply for generations after me.
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