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\"Well, thank you for the question,\" Jean-Pierre responded.

She said she appreciated the historic nature of the moment, but said that being behind the podium and working at the White House is \"not about one person,\" but what they do on behalf of Americans.

\"Clearly, the president believes in representation matters. And I appreciate him giving me this opportunity,\" she said. \"And it's another reason why I think we're all so proud that this is the most diverse administration in history. But again, this is not about me, this is not about any of us.\"

\"PHOTO:
Evan Vucci/AP
PHOTO: White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre arrives for a press briefing at the White House, May 26, 2021.
>

The first Black woman to address journalists in the press briefing room was Judy Smith, a deputy press secretary for President George H.W. Bush, in 1991.

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