White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized President Biden’s unwavering commitment to addressing critical issues within the Black community.
In an exclusive telephone interview with The Seatle Medium, Jean-Pierre delved into the impact of the Biden-Harris administration’s policies, particularly in the context of economic recovery, small business revival, and essential financial relief.
Reflecting on promises made during the 2020 campaign, Jean-Pierre outlined key achievements and ongoing initiatives directly impacting African Americans and historically underserved communities.
She highlighted the administration’s prioritization of equity, ensuring fair access to COVID-19 vaccines, supporting small businesses, reopening schools, and providing financial relief through the child tax credit.
“The President, true to his campaign commitment, prioritized equity, ensuring the Black community received fair access to COVID-19 vaccines,” remarked Jean-Pierre. “He made sure that small businesses got back on their feet, our schools reopened, and the child tax credit put money into people’s pockets. All those things were important to our community.”
The interview also discussed the significance of the American Rescue Plan, a pivotal initiative supporting various facets of the Black community.
Jean-Pierre highlighted economic progress, noting a significant decrease in Black unemployment from 9.2 percent to 5.9 percent as of October.
She emphasized the administration’s commitment to economic revitalization and pointed out a remarkable 60 percent increase in net worth for African Americans.
Jean-Pierre further underscored historic investments, including $7 billion in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and the doubling of Black business ownership since the onset of the pandemic.
The conversation extended to the administration’s commitment to equity across healthcare, education, and police reform, with executive orders addressing issues such as chokeholds and use-of-force policies.
As the first openly gay person to helm the White House briefing room, Jean-Pierre highlighted Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’s ongoing efforts to uplift Black and Brown communities.
This includes their advocacy for voting rights, police reform, and initiatives aimed at reducing consumer prices.
“The President understands the credibility and importance of the Black Press in conveying messages directly to the community. We are committed to ensuring continuous access and engagement,” she told The Seatle Medium. “We’re going to ensure [The Black Press] has access to the president. That’s what he wants—he wants to speak directly to you. This president understands the importance of speaking to the Black Press, and he wants to have regular engagement with all of you, and we’re going to make sure that happens.”
