Karine Jean-Pierre becomes first Black woman in 30 years to lead White House press briefing

White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre made history when she stepped behind the podium in the James S. Brady Briefing Room on Wednesday afternoon, becoming just the second African-American woman to lead a formal White House press briefing and the first in 30 years.

"It's a real honor to be standing here today. I appreciate the historic nature, I really do. But I believe that being behind this podium, being in this room, being in this building, is not about one person. It's about what we do on behalf of the American people," Jean-Pierre said. "Clearly the president believes that representation matters, and I appreciate him giving me this opportunity, and it's another reason why I think we're all so proud that this is the most diverse administration in history."

Judy Smith, a deputy press secretary for President George H.W. Bush and the inspiration for Olivia Pope on "Scandal," was the first Black woman to lead a briefing when she took to the podium in 1991.