Kamala Harris selects Black lesbian political powerhouse, Karine Jean-Pierre, as Chief of Staff
Democratic vice presidential hopeful Kamala Harris has selected Black lesbian commentator, academician, and political powerhouse Karine Jean-Pierre as her new chief of staff, in a move that many feel has demonstrated her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, the Black community, and the defeating Donald Trump in the November Presendential election.
Jean-Pierre confirmed the appointment on Twitter with a Tweet exclaiming “Karine “ambitious” Jean-Pierre is incredibly proud to be working to elect the Biden/Harris ticket. Let’s go!!”
The MSNBC political analyst and commentator was a key figure in three presidential campaigns, including Barack Obama’s historic victory in 2008. She has also successfully pressured big corporations like Walmart to change unfair labor practices.
Jean-Pierre has also taught campaign management at her alma mater, Columbia University, and has served as the chief public affairs officer for Move On. As an author, she penned Moving Forward, described as a “call to arms for those who know that now is the time to act.”
“No one handed it to me,” said Jean-Pierre, who is also Haitian-American, to The Advocate last year.
“I had to go out and take it. I got involved. I worked on campaigns for politicians. Eventually, I worked my way all the way to the White House.”
Many may know Jean-Pierre as the woman who selflessly stood in front of Harris when a protester stormed the stage at a political event last year. She firmly stood her ground against the person, who was much taller than she is, and then pushed him back several steps as security personnel rushed in to safely remove the animal rights protester from the stage.
“Representation matters,” she told The Advocate. “That is why I find so many of these young newly-elected members of Congress — many of whom are women and women of color — so inspiring.”
While Jean-Pierre remains optimistic, she is also ready to fight, as she foreshadows a difficult path to the White House.
“The other thing I will say is, Donald Trump loyalists are going to be voting in 2020,” she warned. “The only way we can take power away from Trump is to show up in bigger numbers. Now is not a time to sit on the sidelines. We need everyone in if we’re going to beat Trump.”
