U.S. President Biden appoints Karine Jean-Pierre, first black Press Secretary, in White House

The United States (U.S.) President, Joe Biden, made history on Thursday when he appointed  Karine Jean-Pierre the first black Press Secretary to the White House.

President Biden, in a statement, commended Jean-Pierre for her “experience, talent and integrity,” adding that he was “proud” to announce her appointment.”

It was indicated that Jean-Pierre, the first openly LGBTQ+ person in the role, will succeed Jen Psaki, whom she served as deputy press secretary from May 13.

The former Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, presenting Jean-Pierre to journalists at the White House, commended the qualities of her deputy. Psaki, declared: Jean-Pierre “will be the first Black woman, the first out LGBTQ+ person to serve in this role.”

Psaki also remarked that Jean-Pierre’s promotion is “amazing because representation matters and she is going to give a voice to so many and show so many what is truly possible when you work hard and dream big.”

The emergent White House Press Secretary, Jean-Pierre, had stated: “This is a historic moment and it’s not lost on me. I understand how important it is for so many people.”

Jean-Pierre, 44 years, has a daughter, and was a journalist with the CNN.

The statement from the White House highlighted that Jean-Pierre worked in former President Barack Obama’s campaigns in 2008 and 2012; and later in Joe Biden’s campaign in 2020, before joining the White House media team. She also worked with Biden when he was vice president to Obama.

The statement added that Jean-Pierre was a former chief public affairs officer for liberal advocacy group MoveOn.org; worked as a political analyst with NBC and MSNBC.

Judy Smith was identified as the only Black woman to have   been deputy press secretary in the White House during administration of President George H.W. Bush’s in 1991. But she never made it to the press secretary level like Jean-Pierre.