Karine Jean-Pierre, the first Black and openly queer White House Press Secretary, delivered a powerful address on the South Lawn during a special celebration of Black excellence on Friday.
In her speech, she highlighted the Biden-Harris administration’s accomplishments for Black Americans while also addressing the administration’s ongoing fight for reproductive rights and justice.
Jean-Pierre’s speech followed a North Dakota judge’s ruling to strike down the state’s near-total abortion ban, which she described as “extreme, dangerous, and terrifying.” She directly connected the decision to the controversial appointment of three Supreme Court justices under the previous administration, resulting in the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
“President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that women in every state must have the right to make deeply personal decisions about their health,” Jean-Pierre stressed, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law.
The event on the South Lawn marked the start of a weekend focused on celebrating Black excellence, a theme Jean-Pierre passionately supported.
“As a proud Black American myself, I am incredibly proud to be working for a president and a vice president who have certainly delivered for Black Americans,” she said, spotlighting accomplishments such as achieving the lowest Black unemployment rate on record, nominating Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, and investing $16 billion into Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Jean-Pierre also extended heartfelt congratulations to the Team USA Paralympic athletes, who brought home an impressive 105 medals from Paris, including 36 golds.
“You carry more than just our flag. You carry our nation’s heart and our hopes,” she quoted First Lady Jill Biden, praising the resilience of the athletes.
Her speech serves as a testament to the strides made by the Biden-Harris administration for marginalized communities, as well as a call to action for continued progress.
As the first Black and openly queer person to hold her position, Jean-Pierre continues to inspire many, breaking barriers and fostering representation in one of the highest offices in the country.
Jean-Pierre closed her remarks by looking ahead to the president’s engagements at the Phoenix Awards Dinner and the National HBCU Week Conference in Philadelphia, which will further honor the legacy of Black Americans and their significant contributions to society.
As Jean-Pierre remains at the helm of delivering key messages from the White House, her presence speaks volumes about the inclusive direction of the current administration.
For more coverage on Karine Jean-Pierre and her work as White House Press Secretary, visit the official White House website here.
