THE significance of the moment wasn't lost on her. Standing behind the lectern on the first day of her job as White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre knew the assembled journalists weren't just staring because she was new it was also because she was different to anyone whod previously held the high-profile role.
Before getting down to business, she decided to address the matter head-on.
"I am obviously acutely aware that my presence at this podium represents a few firsts," she said. "I am a black, gay, immigrant woman - the first of all three of those to hold this position."
As the new press secretary, she will be the face of President Joe Biden's administration as she conducts daily briefings to White House reporters and analysts say the significance of picking her for the job is huge.
But while Karine (47) acknowledged the historic nature of her appointment, she didn't talk about the trauma she'd had to overcome to get to where she is today - how her parents battled to build a new life in America after fleeing Haiti and her struggles with her sexuality which led to a suicide attempt in early adulthood.
Back then she would never have dreamt she would one day occupy one of the most visible roles in American politics. Even now it still hasn't quite hit home for Karine, who previously served as deputy White House press secretary.
"I'm still processing it," she said at a news conference just hours after she'd met with the president in the Oval Office and been offered the job.
WHEN Biden was sworn in as president he promised to put more black women in top positions and now Karine joins an impressive list of political powerhouses, including his vice president Kamala Harris; Supreme Court justice Ketanji Brown Jackson; and UN ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
This story is from the 9 June 2022 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 9 June 2022 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS
The king of pop's kids are a close-knit trio who guard their privacy fiercely
BARBIES ON THE GO!
Sending their dolls 'travelling' around the country started as way to escape everyday life during the pandemic and four years later they're still going strong
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
These musician decided to pack up their lives and trek across the country - with three kids in tow!
TALES FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
After 40 years in Tinseltown, filmmaker Ed Zwick is spilling the beans about the stars with the biggest egos in his tell-all memoir - and he doesn't regret a thing
India's national election
SOUTH Africa isn't the only country holding an election this year - America and India, among others, are also heading to the polls. Most countries hold elections every five years, and it typically takes place one day before the votes are counted.
IS YOUR BRA HARMING YOUR HEALTH?
Wearing the wrong bra size can cause more than discomfort - a poor fit can lead to bigger problems
MY STORY IS ONE OF HOPE
She was born with a rare condition that affects her muscles but it hasn't stopped Kerry from getting a degree or writing a book
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Drones, like the one used to kill seven aid workers in Gaza, are becoming common in battlefields
FINALLY I'M FREE
IT STARTED innocently enough, with a Bible study group, scripture readings and prayers in the suburbs of Centu rion.
CONJOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY
Abby and Brittany have again sparked public interest after Abby's 2021 wedding recently made headlines
